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.

Allie Petonic

Bio: Brighton Heights resident. Bryn Mawr undergrad and Penn State grad degrees. Researcher with United Steelworkers.

funding: Supports lawsuit and said diversion of funds should’ve stopped with end of Act 47. Says board members should work with lawmakers and community advocates to stabilize funding.

school closures: Has criticized previous school closure plans as “half-baked” and said district must “avoid disinvestment” that discourages families from enrolling.

infrastructure & programming: Wants to “remove barriers” to programming such as child care, food, translation services and virtual options.

charter Schools: Says PPS needs “new image” through branding and marketing while investing in teacher and admin retention. Says PPS shouldn’t “assume” families leave for certain reasons and solicit feedback.

endorsements:United Steelworkers Dist. 10, Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council

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Gene Walker

Bio: Brighton Heights resident. Bloomsburg grad. Managing director, Per Scholas. Current Dist. 9 school director (2022-) and PPS board president (2024-).

funding: “Fully” supports lawsuit and says it would help PPS forecast revenue. Says end of diversion of funds to City “would eliminate most of our annual deficit.”

school closures: Says closures “must be done” but that board must move forward with parent support.

infrastructure & programming: Says work must be done to attract families and touts consolidation plan as way to get schools more resources.

charter Schools: Says improving student outcomes is critical to future success and stable enrollment. Wants to find more ways to engage with local families.

endorsements: Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, Black Women for a Better Education, Pa. Rep. Aerion Abney, incumbent PPS directors Tracey Reed, Dwayne Barker, Sylvia Wilson, and Yael Silk