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Pittsburgh school board swears in five directors, elects Jean Walker president
Summary
At its Dec. 1 reorganization meeting, the Pittsburgh Board of Public Education administered oaths to five newly elected directors, elected Jean Walker as president by a 6–2 vote, appointed vice presidents and officers, and set $250,000 bonds for treasurer and secretaries.
The Pittsburgh Board of Public Education on Dec. 1, 2025, administered the oath of office to five newly elected directors and completed its annual reorganization, electing Jean Walker as board president in a 6–2 roll-call vote.
Judge Nola Henry Taylor administered oaths to Tana Cook Pernell, Erica Grayson, Dr. Tracy Reid, Eva Diodati and Jean Walker during the meeting. After the oath sequence concluded, the board called the Dec. 1 organization meeting to order and proceeded with roll call and officer elections.
During the reorganization, the board appointed a temporary presiding officer to conduct nominations. Jean Walker and Deon Talifero were nominated for board president; directors cast roll-call votes by naming their preferred candidate. Jean Walker was elected president by a vote of six to two. Directors who voted for Walker included Eva Diodati, Erica Grayson, Tana Cook Pernell, Dr. Tracy Reid, Director Silk and Walker; Directors Deon Talifero and Yord voted for Talifero.
The board then confirmed vice presidents: Dr. Tracy Reid was nominated and confirmed as first vice president by unanimous assent; Director Silk was confirmed as second vice president by unanimous assent.
The board approved a resolution naming Jennifer Gula, treasurer of the City of Pittsburgh, as school treasurer and set the bond for that office at $250,000; the appointment passed by unanimous roll-call vote. The board also resolved to elect Wayne Walters as secretary (in his capacity as superintendent of schools) and to appoint Ira Weiss, Esquire; Ronald J. Joseph; and Laura Rosetti as assistant secretaries, each with a $250,000 bond; that resolution was likewise approved unanimously.
Mr. Walker convened the board as president to complete the organization business and the board voted to adjourn at the conclusion of the meeting.
Votes at a glance: President — Jean Walker elected 6–2 (Walker supporters: Eva Diodati; Erica Grayson; Tana Cook Pernell; Dr. Tracy Reid; Director Silk; Jean Walker. Votes for Deon Talifero: Deon Talifero; Yord). Treasurer — Jennifer Gula approved unanimously. Secretary and assistant secretaries — Wayne Walters, Ira Weiss, Ronald J. Joseph and Laura Rosetti approved unanimously. Bond amounts — $250,000 for treasurer, secretary and each assistant secretary.
