West Mifflin recalling student computers for 'urgent security updates'

The West Mifflin Area School District is recalling student devices for “urgent security updates,” according to a post on the district’s website.

The recall will begin Monday and will run through the week.

Members of the technology department will work to resolve issues reported by students during the first week of remote classes, Steven Fort, director of technology at the district, said.

Students, who are assigned a time slot based on their name, will drop off their computers at either the high school or middle school. A technician will come out to each vehicle to pick up computers, marking them with contact information and a time to come pick it back up, which will be about an hour after their drop off time.

If students do not have transportation to either school, they can drop their computer off at their local elementary school.

It was not immediately clear how the process would impact classes throughout the week.

Several districts have faced a myriad of issues when switching to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Pittsburgh Public Schools this week struggled with technical difficulties as parents complained of not being able to log onto laptops or issues with specific platforms the school uses like Microsoft Teams and Schoology.

Hackers have also reportedly exposed students at Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Trinity Area School District to pornography and racial slurs during remote learning sessions.

West Mifflin officials did not note what technology issues students were facing.

Questions regarding the recall event can be directed to the IT help desk at 412-466-9131, extension 3333.

“We sincerely understand the inconvenience this may cause and look forward to helping each of you as safely and efficiently as possible,” Fort wrote.