Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/super-cool-ad-inserter/inc/scaip-shortcode-inserter.php on line 37

Pittsburgh Public Schools

With seats opening in four Pittsburgh Public Schools districts, eight candidates have stepped up to run for school board. While PPS board members aren’t paid for their work, the role comes with heightened scrutiny in 2025, as PPS is currently facing a funding shortfall and has sued to reassess Allegheny County property taxes after over a decade of undervaluation.

Tawana Cook Purnell

Bio: East Liberty resident. Peabody HS, Spelman College undergraduate, Columbia graduate degree. Retired educator with experience in teaching, admin, and boards.

Funding: Supports PPS lawsuit to force property tax reassessment.

School closures: Says board responsibility is to be “supportive of the superintendent” while working to make any transitions smooth.

Infrastructure & programming: Wants to see focus on “green” schools with more emphasis on student health.

Charter Schools: Says PPS needs “new image” through branding and marketing while investing in teacher and admin retention.

Endorsements: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club, Beacon Coalition, Black Women for Better Education

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Carlos Thomas

Bio: Homewood resident. Le Cordon Bleu culinary graduate. Community organizer with Operation Better Block and Feed the Hood. Has previously run for PPS board and county council.

Funding: Supports PPS lawsuit to force tax reassessment and sees potential in under-taxed commercial properties. Says board members should “fight” for more revenue.

School closures: Says board responsibility is student wellbeing and outcomes. Wants to give community input and support if closures are necessary.

Infrastructure & programming: Says underfunding is biggest problem for aging school buildings.

Charter Schools: Does not support charter schools. Seeks enrollment boost through investment in STEM, arts, and cultural responsiveness.

Endorsements: Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Pa. Working Families Party