Elected official
School Board · District 5
School Board
Since 2009, Pittsburgh Public Schools has let parents excuse children from lessons that conflict with religious beliefs. In April, the board voted 6-2 to add sincerely held moral beliefs. Requests now need a specific written reason, and families get at least three weeks' notice of possibly controversial lessons. But a director who voted no worried the notice rule could burden teachers.
School Board
A district facilities plan proposed eliminating most of Pittsburgh's K-5 magnet programs. One board member said Pittsburgh Montessori should go too if the plan passes, for fairness. Then, on Feb. 25, the board unanimously denied a charter bid from Three Rivers Wildflower Montessori. About 20 parents, students, and teachers had defended Montessori at a hearing two days earlier.
School Board
On Dec. 17, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted 6 to 3 to raise property taxes 2% in its 2026 budget. The board president said it should cost the average homeowner about $13 more a year. A 4% increase was first proposed, but the finance chief said it would've violated state law.