Groups’ goal: Boost turnout in school board elections

A coalition of community and education advocacy groups launched a campaign Tuesday urging more city residents to register and vote in school board elections.

At a news conference, A+ Schools and 16 other groups, including the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Promise and the League of Women Voters, launched their Vote School Board First! initiative aimed at encouraging voters to learn about their school board candidates and cast a ballot during the upcoming election.

“We’re trying to increase turnout by raising the importance of the educational issues that are going to be at play here,” said James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools.

The watchdog and advocacy group calculated that only one in five voters cast ballots for school board members in offyear elections, even though the Pittsburgh Public Schools district maintains a budget larger than the city of Pittsburgh and

is responsible for the education of about 27,000 students.

“These board members have to be focused like a laser on helping students succeed,” Mr. Fogarty said.

Four Pittsburgh school board seats are up for election in May — in Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8. Those seats are currently filled by board members Regina Holley, Lynda Wrenn, Moira Kaleida and Kevin Carter, respectively. Ms. Holley, Ms. Wrenn and Ms. Kaleida have indicated that they will not be running for reelection.

The nonpartisan Vote School Board First! campaign will include a voter guidebook detailing where all the candidates stand on various issues, as well as a televised candidate forum on April 24. Potential candidates have until March 12 to acquire the 10 signatures required to be placed on the ballot. The election will be held May 21.

“Learn about your candidate and what they plan to do to lead for an equitable school system,” Urban League President Esther Bush said during the news conference. “Please make this a priority . ... We need all of our voices even louder than before.”