Terry Kennedy is the incumbent candidate for Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors for District 5. Facing a challenger, Ghadah Makoshi, she is cross-registered as a Democrat and a Republican.
Terry did not attend our May 2 voter education event for the May 16, 2017 Primary Election but sent the following response to our question: As a PPS Director, what would you do to improve the well-being of low-income Pittsburgh children? In your answer please address: child nutrition and equitable development (including affordable housing).
Our school district follows the law with regard to child nutrition. Students in all but one of our district schools are all eligible for free breakfast and free lunch. Several years ago the district switched from requiring parents or guardians to complete a form to determine eligibility of the children in each family. The current method is much better since no one is shamed for lack of money to buy lunch if they never submitted their form or even if they did not have enough money in their lunch account. There are specific actions in our district schools that provide for other needs. For example, backpack food programs so the student and his or her family have weekend meals. Some schools discretely provide new clothes to students in need. Other schools provide gently worn clothes. Many teachers purchase extra supplies so students have the tools at home to complete assigned school work. PTOs and PTAs with extra money help provide for students as well. These are only a few examples of efforts.
Equitable development is a large concern. On the district level, reduction in affordable housing results in population shifts between buildings or loss of student population to the suburbs. A big example is when a low-income high rise apartment building in Garfield was closed before demolition. Many families were relocated to the suburbs. Fort Pitt Elementary School lost close to 200 students over winter break as a result of that closure and resident relocation.
The board looks at affordable housing when tax abatements are requested for a residential project. However, the board also listens to the community. Some times there are no good options. If the board and other taxing bodies deny the abatement due to the lack of affordable housing, no property tax money will be available in the foreseeable future or the property will be sold to a tax exempt organization. Regardless of personal opinions, the board must follow the law and the board policy.
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