DISTRICT 6: EMMA YOURD
2023 Vote School Board First! Candidate Questionnaire:
Q: What, in your view, is PPS doing very well? What needs course correction?
A: PPS has done an adequate job of supporting our youth and students through the pandemic, through laptop distribution for hybrid learning and providing emotional supports for students. PPS also has a strong career technical education (CTE) program and there is an opportunity to build on these successes moving forward. As school board director, I want to work with the existing school board members and school administration to determine how we can leverage existing programs and resources to better support our students both scholastically and emotionally so that they can thrive in schools. I also want to invest more in our CTE programming so that students feel confident in their postsecondary path, whether that means a vocational school, community college, or four-year degree.
Q: What is the role of the school district in the success of the city? How will you partner with other governmental entities?
A: A thriving school district is critical to drawing young families to live within the city limits; without a quality and safe education, families will look elsewhere to meet their child's needs. I look forward to working with the City of Pittsburgh, and particularly the controller's office, to manage the financial health and transparency of PPS and make sure that we are making the best use of our resources and distributing them equitably.
Q: What training/information do you think you will need to be successful in your role as a school board member?
A: In addition to reviewing previous A+ Schools reports, board meeting minutes, and audits, training and clarification on exactly the roles and responsibilities of the school board will be helpful as I step into the role so that I understand how best to affect change.
Q: What do you believe a school board member should know/be able to do relative to district operations?
A: I believe a school board member should have access to enough data to make informed and deliberate legislative decisions about how the school district runs in consultation with school administration.
Q: We know that the pandemic had a negative effect on school attendance. How will you fulfill your role to create and foster schools where kids want to be?
A: I think the most important thing we can do is make children feel physically and emotionally safe in our schools. For now, this means having school safety officers. I also believe we should explore investing in paraprofessionals like guidance counselors and social workers who can address underlying emotional issues that teachers are not equipped to deal with in the classroom.
Q: Given that nutrition is closely tied to student health and academic outcomes, what initiatives should PPS support to help promote healthy food access for PPS students?
A: I think PPS is already doing a great job here by ensuring that all students eat for free at schools and making sure fruits and vegetables are available at every meal.
Q: With enrollment declining in PPS, what is your vision for the future of the physical footprint of the district?
A: If enrollment continues to decline, it follows that some schools may have to be closed in order to best serve the students in the district. My vision for the future of the district's footprint will be shaped by weighing financial decisions and in speaking with school administration and community members.
Q: What are your plans to desegregate our school district?
A: The best thing PPS can do to desegregate our district is allocate resources equitably across all our schools. For example, 8th grade algebra is not offered consistently across our district. We need to ensure that regardless of a student's zip code, they are receiving a quality education.
Q: How do you plan on integrating student voice into your decisions? Are you aware of the existing channels of student voice to tap into?
A: I think student voice is critical to the operation of a school district, as they are the ones being served. I am not currently aware of existing channels of student voice, but would love to be connected to those once elected so that I can engage regularly with students.
Q: What role does the school board play in improving the learning environment for our students?
A: The school board can help to improve the learning environment by ensuring that each school has sufficient resources to keep students safe, support them emotionally, and support their learning through adequate classroom resources for teachers.
Q: What do you think the proper role of a board member is to help foster positive school discipline and building a positive school climate?
A: Board members can help to build a positive school climate by visiting schools to learn about the positive efforts put forth by teachers and administrators and then highlighting those efforts publicly. There is a negative public narrative about the state of PPS and board members can do much to change that narrative while also being honest about the challenges and opportunities facing the district.
Q: Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters has put forward 5 priority goals, what are your thoughts on the goals and do you see yourself as a board member fitting into those goals?
A: Dr. Walters' goals reflect my own priorities as a school board member and I believe the board has a critical role to play in supporting each of them. By working closely with school administration to understand our existing financial status (goal #5), the board can work to allocate existing resources more effectively to meet the other four goals laid out by Dr. Walters.
Q: A Commonwealth Court Judge recently ruled the way Pennsylvania funds education is unconstitutional, do you think PPS is funded sufficiently? (Please explain why or why not)
A: I agree with the court's decision that funding based on property taxes is unconstitutional because it inherently creates disparities, where school district with high home values and a robust tax base have more than sufficient resources to meet student needs. We also know that the amount that per pupil spending is not the only measure of sufficient funding for school districts, as school districts like PPS that serve high-need and underresourced populations will need more funding in order to serve their students well. It is clear that there is room for improvement in how PPS financial resources are allocated in order to best meet our students needs.
Q: What is your vision for using the existing budget?
A: My vision for the budget is that the new school board members come in with an open mind and a critical eye to review existing spending and reallocation of resources. Our first priority must be allocating resources to make schools a safe space where students and teachers alike can thrive
Q: Many PPS families struggle with basic needs such as housing and food insecurity. How should the district be allocating resources to address these needs?
A: Continuing to fund free school meals for all students should be a priority for PPS to help meet that basic need. Investing in paraprofessionals who can help identify students who are struggling and make appropriate referrals is also critical to addressing these needs.