ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Ron
WHERE I COME FROM
I grew up in the arms of a large extended family in Auburn, New York-the last home of Harriet Tubman and the heart of the Finger Lakes. I studied psychology and music at the University of Rochester / Eastman School of Music, then worked my way through graduate school, earning a career planning / personal counseling master's degree from Alfred University, N.Y. In 1978, I moved to Pittsburgh and completed my doctorate in counselor education with a minor in the supervision of instruction and curriculum at the University of Pittsburgh.
Music has always played a huge role in my life. Growing up my two brothers and I played in my dad's big band and jazz group. I still enjoy my saxophone and play with a local Pittsburgh band .
A THRIVING CAREER IN EDUCATION
I have worked in education for 32 years, enjoying a long, productive career of serving the public; students, teachers, parents, principals, Board members and tax payers.
My career started in counseling at McKeesport Area School District. Hired by PPS, I served as assistant Principal at the Greenway Middle School and assistant to Superintendent Dr. Richard Wallace, overseeing a $32 Million drop out prevention program.
For 19 years, I was Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent at Freedom Area School District, Beaver County PA. I returned to Pittsburgh in 2012 as CEO/Princiapal of City Charter High and retired in 2018.
My career has shown me the importance of quality School Board governance and the Board's impact on the effectiveness of our district schools and the educational systems.
My Top Three School Board Priorities
1
Budget Oversight and Accountability
Achieve better educational returns on $900 million spent per year on nearly 19,000 students in Pittsburgh Public Schools. PPS is in the state's top 5% districts in spending per pupil, but in the bottom one third in student achievement. This shows the the district's budget doesn't match the students needs. We have enough money, it's how we spend it.
2
Improved Student Outcomes
Provide supports so that all third graders achieve proficiency in reading and math. Currently, 62% of all PPS Black third graders do not achieve proficiency in reading. Beyond third grade, catching up becomes incredibly harder for students.
3
Transparency in Schools
Make decisions that are data-driven and transparent. By creating a system to measure student and school effectiveness, in collaboration with teachers and principles, information can be regularly reviewed by the Board and Superintendent.