Q: Currently, nearly half of the dollars spent at a school building are allocated centrally and not accounted for at the building level, making it difficult to know whether resources are being distributed equitably to meet student needs. How will you make Pittsburgh Public Schools budgeting process more transparent?
A: This would be done by working with the administration (specifically the superintendent and the finance office) and the board's finance committee.

Q: Under what circumstances would you support increasing or decreasing property taxes in the district? What research or evidence would you use to help you make that decision?
A: At this time, property taxes should be at the current level. To change that decision, the board needs to look at any tax abatements coming due, other increases in revenue (income and property tax) and other factors that impact our collection of taxes.

Q: Over the last several years Pittsburgh Public Schools has seen a decline in student enrollment. How will you reverse this trend to keep families in the district?
A: We are working diligently to ensure equity in the district. We have increased CTE programs and are finding ways to offer AP classes to children in all of our schools not just a select few.

Q: How will you, as a board member, improve the district’s transportation system?
A: The district needs to take an in-depth look at our needs which include the safe passage of our children to and from school. We need to work with Allegheny County when considering PAT. This is another area that we should include community input to find the best solutions.

Q: Do you support the universal screening of all students for Gifted and Talented education supports?
A: Yes. There are tools for prescreening to ensure that all students are considered for these programs.

Q: Do you agree with the board’s decision to create another tier of disciplinary infractions? Would you be in favor of creating more tiers to better address behavior problems?
A: The Code of Student Conduct needs to be looked at to ensure that we are keeping all students safe, that children are taught coping skills and that we as adults are contributing to situations.

Q: Suspensions and expulsions are rarely an effective means for improving school climate. What alternatives will you support (eg. Restorative Justice, Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems, others) through policy to reduce school pushout and improve school climate? (Please cite the research or evidence you will use to back up your policy position).
A: Mindfulness is another support that can be used in schools. Teaching mindfulness not only decreases behavior incidents, it can increase success academically.

Q: If elected, your main job will be to serve over 26,000 students in Pittsburgh’s district and charter schools. How will you ensure student voice is taken into account by the school board?
A: Students have reached out to make sure that they have a voice in what is being decided about them. They are welcome to contact us directly and have testified at board hearings about their concerns. I have met with many adults around public school and charter school issues. Hearing from students about issues is always welcome.

Q: Pittsburgh Public Schools hiring process often does not conclude until August for many new teachers, later than most surrounding districts. What policies will you enact to improve the hiring timeline for new teachers and to attract a more diverse pool of candidates?
A: Hiring the best candidates is a huge task. That said, knowing the positions to be filled in an expedient manor is everything. We also need to make sure the Human Resources office is properly staffed to do the task. Lastly, a national search could help improve this.

Q: PPS is currently in the planning stages of creating community schools. What research or evidence will you use to monitor the successful implementation of a community schools model?
A: Looking at attendance, test scores and class work should tell us when children are being more successful b/c of the resources in place. Parent and student input should guide us in the implementation.

Q: Reading at grade level by third grade has been shown to be a strong predictor of future academic success, and in 2016 only 47% of Pittsburgh’s third graders met that bar. What will you do as a Board member to ensure that students benefit from systematic, comprehensive and evidence-based reading interventions so that more of our students are reading at grade level by third grade?
A: We are currently adopting ELA curriculum that is aligned with the PA Core Standards. This curriculum needs to have strong foundational skills so that when students reach the third grade, they are adequately prepared for the work ahead of them. We must continue to monitor the progress of students so that we know what needs to be adjusted.

Q: How will you as a board member identify gaps in opportunities for students and work to address them so as to close gaps in student achievement?
A: As a member of the Equity Advisory Team, I see where we are lacking and what we need to do for children. Making sure that children are considered for the Gifted Program, AP classes and CTE programs is essential. Providing for all a student's needs through Community Schools is also a benefit. A whole child approach is necessary for achievement.

Q: How will you ensure that students receive a well-balanced and healthy lunch that students will want to eat?
A: Student and parent input is important as is input from dietitians. Finding ways to present healthy food will make an impact on what students choose.

Q: How will you make sure students have up to date materials especially in history and literature classes?
A: We currently have teams of people looking at the offerings that are being published. Parents, students, teachers, board members and administrators need to do a thorough vetting of what is being offered today

Q: What is your vision for the expansion of Pre-K in Pittsburgh? What do you see as the role of Pre-K in a child's learning progression through the PPS system?
A: Being able to offer Pre-K experiences to all of Pittsburgh's youngest residents is what we are trying to accomplish. Our programs include socialization and educational skills. It is also a forum for parents to come together to help them meet their children's health, emotional and educational needs.

Q: How will you work constructively with the eight other board members to ensure all Pittsburgh students receive a quality education?
A: Listening to the thoughts and ideas of each other is essential. Agreeing with one another 100% of the time is not possible. Being able to discuss issues and consider another point of view will help in the decision making of the board.

Q: How will you effectively advocate for Pittsburgh’s students with other elected officials, both local and state?
A: Working with all elected officials is important. As a part of PSBA, we have an avenue of meeting with those entities. I think it is also important for me to meet with federal officials on the education of our children.

Q: How will you communicate the board’s work with your constituents, parents and non-parents alike?
A: I have always made myself available for meetings. If I'm invited to a meeting and can't make it, I will offer to meet at another time. It is my duty to listen to the needs of the community. I've also been reached by email by constituents.

Q: How will you support best practices in early education (Pre-K- Grade 4), including play based learning and a focus on social and emotional skills?
A: Children are not socially or emotionally healthy if they don't have down time. Play allows children to explore their world in safe ways. During play time, a teacher can identify learning skills being explored by a child. Play should not be discounted as a learning tool. It is essential to development.