Highlands School District switches to remote instruction, offers counseling in response to police shootings

Highlands School District officials announced a shift to a remote learning schedule Tuesday in response to the fatal shooting of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire on Monday in Brackenridge.

A huge police presence and incident unfolded Monday around noon in the Brackenridge and Tarentum communities resulting in an hours-long series of events including a carjacking, the shooting of a Tarentum police officer and the fatal shooting of McIntire .

McIntire was 46 and had served as chief since 2018.

Authorities identified the suspect as Aaron L. Swan, 28, of Duquesne.

Swan was shot and killed by police Monday in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood.

The injured Tarentum officer is in stable condition, authorities said.

The district posted the alert regarding remote learning on its website and Facebook page Monday.

All Highlands administrators, students and staff will work and learn remotely. The district operates on a one-hour delay schedule during remote instruction.

Superintendent Monique Mawhinney issued a statement Monday on behalf to the district.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and students of the fallen officer and the officer who was injured. On behalf of the Highlands School District, we thank those officers and all of the law enforcement officers and officials who risk their lives to keep our community safe,” Mawhinney said.

In an effort to support students in need, the district will offer free online counseling Tuesday via Zoom and email.

In additional, Allegheny Family Network will offer grief counseling and support services for the public from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the AFN office, located at 1600 Pacific Ave. in Harrison.

Counselors will be available Wednesday on campus.

For more information go to the district website at goldenrams.com.