Our Volunteers

Meet just a few of the hundreds of volunteers that are mobilized with A+ Schools.   You can join their ranks – just click here.

Shimira

“Board Watch is a way for us to let people know when Pittsburgh Public Schools is doing a good job,and when they’re not.”

And after getting connected with the Board Watch program at A+ Schools and getting to know the staff there, Shimira Williams says she “was hooked.” Shimira places strong value on education and believes that every child’s education is important to the future of our global economy and to our region’s sustainability. She hopes that through her volunteer work she can help get information into the community’s hands that will encourage a higher standard of education in the city of Pittsburgh.

Carolyn

Carolyn Kuhfuss has spent the last few months interviewing A+ Schools volunteers, board members, and committee members. Through doing so, Carolyn has officially “caught the fever” that many people have for A+ Schools. Not only does A+ Schools advocate for equitable education, but also they train community members to advocate for themselves and have exposed people to injustices in the public school system. And they have done all of this with their heart on their sleeve – something that all of their contributors attest to. Carolyn looks forward to staying involved with A+ Schools through joining their Board Watch program.

Evelyn Murrin

“By volunteering with School Works and Board Watch, my knowledge about schools is authentic and continues to grow.”

Evelyn Murrin participates on both Board Watch and School Works and believes that each program offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to gain understanding on partnership, governance, and educational initiatives in the Pittsburgh Public School system. Evelyn credits the Board watch program with helping her distinguish between rumor and fact about Pittsburgh Public Schools’ activities. In addition, Evelyn says, “the staff at A+ Schools is astute, fair, and always open. That has made all the difference.”

Maria

“Knowing what policies exist within public education will allow parents and community members to form appropriate expectations of administrators and educators.”

When Maria Bethel joined Board Watch as part of the pilot group in 2009, she wanted to better understand the public school system that her children would be a part of. Through her involvement in the Board Watch program, Maria feels she has become more informed and involved through the critiquing and observing of school board meetings. Maria encourages others to volunteer for A+ Schools by noting that “knowledge is power,” and that “knowing what policies exist within public education will allow parents and community members to form appropriate expectations of administrators and educators.”

Colleen

“One of the great things about A+ schools is that they are focused on ALL children and ensuring that all children have equitable access to a quality education”

Colleen Young appreciates the way in which A+ Schools advocates for children of all incomes and backgrounds. She began to volunteer for Board Watch with the intention of getting involved and learning more about how our school system functions. Through the program, Colleen has learned a lot and also been able to connect with other volunteers. She has found it to be a unique opportunity to hear various perspectives on the issues that affect the children in our area.

Georgia

“Board Watch is a great opportunity to see what’s going on in our school system and have an impact on what direction our school district is headed.”

Georgia Blotzer saw getting involved with Board Watch as the perfect way to get involved and get acquainted with Pittsburgh’s school board. Though her previous observations had shown her that a School Board’s behavior can sometimes distract from the work they do, she has gained trust in Pittsburgh’s board since joining Board Watch. She has been encouraged to see how hard they work and believes that “Board Watch is a great opportunity to see what’s going on in our school system and have an impact on what direction our school district is headed.”

Kathy

"A+ Schools enables me to participate in an open, respected forum that so well identifies and responds to the real public school issues."

Kathy Flynn Somerville has deep rooted interests in public education.  She is a city resident, a parent of two PPS graduates, and a public school teacher.  Kathy says she was enticed to volunteer with Board Watch, School Works, making phone calls and recruiting students for Students Engaged in Leadership because A+ Schools provides welcoming opportunities to actively identify, listen, speak, plan, take action, and evaluate district-wide efforts.  "Being an active, valued part of the unified, responsive mission of A+ Schools is gratifying and significant."

Pamela

“Volunteering keeps you abreast of the proposed changes and initiatives in the earliest stages of the process”

Pamela Harbin has always been a strong believer in urban public school education and in quality education for all children. After her sons began school, Pamela got connected with A+ Schools’ Board Watch program, which she feels has given her a foundational understanding of educational policy. She is finding that “volunteering keeps you abreast of the proposed changes and initiatives in the earliest stages of the process” and therefore she is able to have more of an influence on positive change.

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A+ Schools | Pittsburgh's Community Alliance for Public Education
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