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.

Tonya Fores

Bio: Hill District resident. Oliver HS and trade school grad. Previous volunteer with PPS; three children are PPS grads.

Funding: Says she “understands” lawsuit but that legal action should be “one tool” of many to combat persistent funding gaps.

School closures: Describes closures as “unavoidable” and says final decisions must be student-focused. Sees student attendance issues as central to other problems.

Infrastructure & programming: Would prioritize student services to address attendance issues.

Charter Schools: Supports greater community engagement to “rebuild confidence” in PPS system.

Endorsements: None listed

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Erikka Grayson

Bio: Hill District resident. Pitt undergrad and Point Park MBA. Project manager with volunteer experience at PPS.

Funding: Supports lawsuit given rise in local property values. Says district needs a “sustainable funding formula.”

School closures: Says closures must be “guided by data” and supports reinvestment in existing buildings to maintain services with smaller footprint.

Infrastructure & programming: Wants to expand dual-language and STEM programming. Supports investments in early literacy. Seeks to establish more working groups with district parents.

Charter Schools: Says PPS must “earn families’ trust back” and seeks marketing highlighting district success stories.

Endorsements: Pa. Working Families Party, Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Black Women for Better Education, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Pa. Rep. Aerion Abney