What’s at stake
Pittsburgh school board members have spent most of the past year debating how to best go about closing schools without disrupting students’ well-being. While some board members want to finalize the list of schools set to close ahead of November’s general election, district administrators have said that no buildings will shutter until after the end of the 2025-2026 school year. That means candidates elected this fall will shape how the district carries out those plans, and whether they are executed with the efficacy needed to rein in district finances and improve students’ academic outcomes.
District 1 includes Homewood and Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, as well as parts of East Liberty, Point Breeze and Shadyside; under the current school restructuring proposal, PPS aims to close two school buildings in this district: Montessori PreK-5 in Friendship and the Student Achievement Center in Homewood. After longtime board director and former teacher Sylvia Wilson announced she was retiring, community advocate Carlos Thomas and retired school administrator Tawana Cook Purnell jumped into the race to replace her.
District map
What does this job do?
School board members — or directors, as they’re known in Pennsylvania — hire and oversee the district superintendent (in this case, Dr. Wayne Walters). They are responsible for evaluating his contract, voting on the district’s annual budget and tax rates, and approving general classroom curriculum. They also draft and enact district policy and review charter school renewal applications.
In Pittsburgh, district board members dually serve as the board of the Pittsburgh-Mt. Oliver Intermediate Unit, which provides services to public, charter, and private schools alike.
Term & salary
Directors serve four-year terms, but they earn no salary. Pennsylvania is one of two states that prohibits school board members from receiving compensation, although some lawmakers are looking to change that.
Further reading
“Candidates for 5 PPS board spots will face the weight — and legacy — of looming school closures” (Jillian Forstadt, WESA)
“Pittsburgh school board candidate slate launches ahead of Tuesday’s filing deadline” (Jillian Forstadt, WESA)
Tawana Cook Purnell
Purnell is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of Peabody High School — now Obama Academy. She went on to earn a master’s degree in school leadership from Columbia University, and she has served as a teacher and administrator at public and private schools throughout the region. Purnell says she wants to prioritize social-emotional learning among students, foster collaboration with fellow board members, and advocate for data-driven budgeting.
Party: Democratic
Place of residence: East Liberty
Education: B.A., philosophy, Spelman College; M.A., school leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University
Current occupation: Retired educator
Related experience: More than four decades as a teacher, school administrator and board member of school-related organizations and associations
Supporters/endorsements: Black Women for Better Education; Allegheny County Democratic Committee; 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club; Beacon Coalition
Links: Website | Facebook
Fundraising: None yet reported for this cycle
WESA Candidate Survey
During the past year, PPS filed a lawsuit to force a countywide property tax reassessment, and filed another lawsuit against the city over a longstanding diversion of income tax revenue. Do you support those moves, and more generally, what approach should board members take to address the district’s revenue issues?
I am in support of the lawsuit, filed by PPS and currently active, that mandates the return of income tax revenue to the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The city is no longer in a distressed financial state; thus, the need — being greater in the schools — should require the agreement be resolved. Similarly, in a fair and equitable manner, a countywide property tax reassessment needs to be conducted. It has been over a decade since property taxes have been assessed, and, more importantly, corporations should be expected to and required to pay their fair share. The weight of the tax base should not fall on individual property owners.
School closures discussions are ongoing, and it’s likely the next board will have to carry out whatever facility changes current board members decide on in the coming months. What do you see as the board’s main responsibility going forward as it relates to the district’s changing footprint?
The board’s responsibility going forward as it relates to the district’s changing footprint is to be positive, thoughtful, and supportive of the superintendent as he moves the system forward. When the new board is fully composed after the election, and the decisions have been made, the board's duty is to make the transition as seamless as possible, all while responsibly tweaking the process within (and perhaps outside of) the boundaries of the existing plan. They must also be open to modifying future plans and be collaborative thought partners with all constituency groups. The community wants and requires a confident leader that has leaned into uncomfortable conversations while holding fast to his own convictions.
How would you address enrollment loss, whether due to charter schools or to families moving to other school districts?
The best way to address enrollment loss is by building better public schools: where all students achieve their potential, where principals are carefully screened and trained to build positive school climate and cultures, where teachers are recruited, supported, and retained, where students are rigorously challenged, are safe and feel cared for, where parents are respected and supported, and where budgets are carefully, thoughtfully, and fairly administered. Good schools are attractive schools. Between now and then, PPS must move towards accepting a new image of itself, spreading the word about success in a branding and marketing campaign, and making the dream a reality.
Many families and stakeholders have expressed concern about transparency and community engagement efforts at the school board level. How do you think the school board should address these concerns, and what’s your plan for engaging voices the board historically hasn’t heard from?
I am not sure what voices haven’t been heard, but it is essential that all constituency groups be represented at the table. An open-door policy makes people feel heard; closing doors creates unnecessary antagonism. Communication is key; from the top down, there should be listening forums and sometimes casual conversations about all kinds of topics related to the overall health and well-being of schools and families. Invite all voices and be prepared to address all concerns, whether or not you agree with them. Admit your need to research further or accept an idea that is not your own. But, never close out a voice as unimportant — because they all are.
Pittsburgh schools face additional challenges, including high absenteeism rates, below-average reading and math scores, transportation issues and building infrastructure challenges — many schools lack air conditioning as global temperatures rise. What is the biggest issue you'd like to see addressed, and how?
During the time of building transfiguration, I would like to see a focus on creating more “green" schools. With the support of thoughtful facilities leaders and architects, each schoolhouse should reflect a level of care and concern for the well-being of each person who works and attends class within those walls. A healthy school — welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, and designed for learning — will enhance the daily experience of the community that engages with the space.
Carlos Thomas
Thomas currently serves as a communications and community engagement specialist for Operation Better Block in Homewood. He also leads Feed the Hood, which works to provide students with culinary experience and address food insecurity. Thomas is no stranger to campaigning: he previously ran for District 1 in 2021 — when he was one of two primary candidates challenging incumbent Sylvia Wilson — and he vied for a county council seat in 2023.
Party: Democratic
Place of residence: Homewood
Education: A.A., Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts (2011)
Current occupation: Communications and community engagement specialist
Related experience: Education policy and youth programming work (2012–present); seats on advisory boards and leadership roles in equity initiatives across the City of Pittsburgh.
Supporters/endorsements: Steel City Stonewall Democrats, Working Families Party PA
Links: Website | Instagram
Fundraising: None yet reported for this cycle
WESA Candidate Survey
During the past year, PPS filed a lawsuit to force a countywide property tax reassessment, and filed another lawsuit against the city over a longstanding diversion of income tax revenue. Do you support those moves, and more generally, what approach should board members take to address the district’s revenue issues?
I support PPS’s decision to pursue these lawsuits. Our schools are underfunded, while many large commercial properties remain undertaxed. Board members must be bold in fighting for fair revenue streams — advocating not only in courtrooms but in collaboration with city and county leaders to create sustainable, equitable funding for our students.
School closures discussions are ongoing, and it’s likely the next board will have to carry out whatever facility changes current board members decide on in the coming months. What do you see as the board’s main responsibility going forward as it relates to the district’s changing footprint?
Our responsibility is to ensure any changes prioritize students’ well-being and educational outcomes. This means making data-driven decisions that center equity, transparency, and community input. If closures are unavoidable, we must support affected students, families, and staff with clear transition plans, emotional support, and opportunities to shape the process.
How would you address enrollment loss, whether due to charter schools or to families moving to other school districts?
I do not support charter schools. They drain critical resources from public education while lacking true public accountability. To address enrollment loss, we must reinvest in our neighborhood schools — expanding arts, STEM, and culturally relevant programming. Families choose alternatives when they feel neglected; we must restore trust by delivering excellent, equitable public education.
Many families and stakeholders have expressed concern about transparency and community engagement efforts at the school board level. How do you think the school board should address these concerns, and what’s your plan for engaging voices the board historically hasn’t heard from?
I will host regular community forums in each board district and create multilingual, accessible updates about board decisions. We must go beyond traditional outreach — partnering with local organizations, churches, and youth groups to bring more voices to the table, especially from Black, immigrant, and working-class communities.
Pittsburgh schools face additional challenges, including high absenteeism rates, below-average reading and math scores, transportation issues and building infrastructure challenges — many schools lack air conditioning as global temperatures rise. What is the biggest issue you'd like to see addressed, and how?
From my perspective, the number one issue facing Pittsburgh Public Schools is chronic underfunding. This scarcity of resources results in outdated facilities, insufficient support services, and difficulty in recruiting and retaining quality educators — all of which directly impact our students’ learning experiences and overall success. Addressing these funding inequities is essential to create safe, effective learning environments where every child can thrive. We must hold our local and state leaders accountable for a fair and robust investment in our public education system.
