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.
Madhi Bey
Bio: Grew up in Mt. Oliver. Carrick resident. Studied to be anaesthesia tech. Currently works for Pa. Rep. Jessica Benham on constituent services.
Funding: Says lawsuit seems “justified” and would place PPS first in funding priority.
School closures: Says school closures will likely be decided before new directors elected, but seeks community meetings and audit to inform future feeder patterns and service offerings.
Infrastructure & programming: Supports greater funding for immigrant students and students with disabilities.
Charter Schools: Says retaining teachers and providing necessary resources will strengthen system.
Endorsements: Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council, Pa. Rep. Jessica Benham, Pittsburgh City Councilors Anthony Coghill and Bob Charland, outgoing school board member Jamie Piotrowski
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Eva Diodati
Bio: Carrick resident. Duquesne BA in theater/MA in English and Media. Teen librarian at CLP Hill District and library union treasurer.
funding: Supports lawsuit and says district may need to get “creative” while property tax lawsuit plays out. Says district is “broken, not broke.”
school closures: Says “numbers are clear” and closures likely. Supports adaptive reuse for any closed school buildings so “spirit” lives on.
infrastructure & programming: Wants to “get youth excited” to combat low student morale. Says educators must engage with the community at community days and festivals and solicit feedback from PPS parents on wants/needs.
charter Schools: Says the key to increased enrollment is making PPS “top choice for families.”
endorsements: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, USW Local 9562, and Young Democrats of Allegheny County, Black Women for Better Education
Correction: The above copy has been updated to correct Diodati’s list of endorsements and clarify details of her work and education background.
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2025 and Election Guide (Early 2025).
