4 PPS winners expect no opposition in November

City school board races all decided on Tuesday

The three contested races for Pittsburgh school board were likely decided by Tuesday’s primary, making November’s general election largely a formality barring any upsets from independent or write-in candidates.

Based on unofficial results Tuesday night, community activist Pam Harbin edged out public policy analyst Anna Batista in the race for the District 4 seat. Both candidates cross-filed as Republican and Democrat, and Ms. Harbin led on both ballots.

Retired PPS teacher and coach William Gallagher defeated Heather Fulton, an Allderdice parent, in District 6 with no Republican challenger.

In District 2, where four candidates were vying for a spot, Devon Taliaferro won the Democratic ballot over opponents Nosakhere Griffin-El and David Atkinson. She also edged out Kirk Rys, who was endorsed by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee and was the only District 4 candidate who cross-filed, but he said he does not

intend to challenge Ms. Taliaferro in the general election.

“I still think it’s a fairly narrow set of experiences on the board, and I thought that was something I could expand,” said Mr. Rys, who has a financial and legal background as managing counsel at BNY Mellon. “Not being able to expand that is unfortunate. But I’ve always been impressed with Devon and I wish her all the the luck in the world.”

Ms. Batista, who was endorsed by Mayor Bill Peduto and current District 4 board member Lynda Wrenn, said she reached out to Ms. Harbin shortly after the results were in to congratulate her on her victory.

“I’m passionate about being engaged in my community and I will continue to look for ways to do that,” Ms. Batista said.

“And I really hope that my opponent makes great choices for the kids. I just want to thank all of my supporters, from the mayor to contributors to all the voters. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

“I’ve been working for public education advocacy for 12 years and this whole campaign I’ve been working with all the people that I’ve worked with over the years,” said Ms. Harbin, a PPS parent and co-founder of the Education Rights Network. “Parents and teachers and community organizers, that’s who ran this campaign ... It’s just amazing that we got it, that we got here. I’m excited to be a part of a school board that can make positive change for kids.”

Mr. Gallagher posted to his Facebook page that he was grateful for the support in District 6.

“Now that you have placed your faith in us to represent our interests on the School Board, we will listen, be available and strive for excellence so our children will receive a world-class education,” the statement read.

Incumbent Kevin Carter was unopposed in District 8.