A Message from Liz:

I am running for the Pine-Richland School Board because our district deserves leadership that prioritizes students, transparency, and educational excellence. As a parent, community member, and experienced advocate, I believe our schools should foster critical thinking, inclusivity, and a love of learning. Unfortunately, recent policies—such as the board’s new library policy granting itself unchecked authority to restrict book access—have drawn negative attention to our district and threaten these core values.

My background uniquely prepares me to serve on the school board with integrity and effectiveness. Currently, I serve as the Managing Attorney for the Pittsburgh Office of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, where I fight for justice and fairness in the legal system. Prior to this role, I dedicated my career to advocating for at-risk children and families, first as Director of Placement Services at a local non-profit supporting foster families and later as a legal advocate for youth and adults in both state and federal court.

One of the first lessons I learned as a young social worker was never to impose my personal social values on another family. What is right for me socially may not be the right fit for someone else, and respecting those boundaries is critical. That same principle applies in education. As a school board member, I will work to ensure that Pine-Richland students and families have access to a wide range of perspectives and opportunities, rather than having choices dictated by the personal beliefs of a few.

I am committed to keeping an open mind and open ears—listening to our students, teachers, and administrators to make informed decisions that best serve our schools. I will work to restore trust, support our educators, and advocate for policies that put all students first. I look forward to engaging with our community throughout this campaign and hearing  your thoughts on how we can move Pine-Richland forward together.