Occupation
Retired educator
Qualifications for office
Years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and board member
Education
BA philosophy (Spelman College); MA school leadership (Teachers College)
Facebook
Friends of Tawana Cook Purnell
First, discern whether or not community members (families, organizations with vans, etc.) can support the students.
Next, ask PRT to consider partial services for students.
Finally, contract private bus services
First, look for current inefficiencies in spending.
Next, find ways to consolidate services and resources.
Finally, collaborate and conserve.
Efficient resource management does not mean educational opportunities disappear.
Teach and learn with what is available.
Occupation
Director
Education
Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts-Pittsburgh Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts-Pittsburgh Associate's degree, Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/ManagerAssociate's degree, Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager 2010 - 2011
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/votecarlosthomas
Instagram / TikTok
https://www.instagram.com/VoteCarlosThomas/#
As School Director, I will fight to ensure every middle and high school student has reliable access to school despite proposed PRT service cuts. Public transit is essential for thousands of PPS students, and I’ll advocate for expanded free transit passes, especially for those in underserved neighborhoods. I’ll also push for creative solutions like district-run shuttles or community transit partnerships, while ensuring students and families have a voice in shaping transportation policy. Access to education begins with access to transportation.
I believe our schools deserve full and fair funding to ensure every child has the resources to succeed. To address anticipated shortfalls, I would advocate for increased investment from both the city and state by organizing with parents, educators, and community leaders to demand equitable funding formulas and oppose any cuts to public education. I’d push the district to audit existing contracts and reallocate funds away from non-essential expenditures toward classrooms, support staff, and student services. I’d also explore public-private partnerships that align with our values to expand resources without compromising our mission.
I believe resource efficiency and educational equity must go hand in hand. I will work to ensure that any changes—whether in school boundaries, consolidations, or program relocations—are community-informed and equity-centered. This means pushing for strong engagement with families, particular focus on marginalized communities, and insuring that every student gains—not loses—access to safe, modern, and inclusive learning environments. I will advocate for facility upgrades that create equitable access to arts, advanced coursework, ESL, and I’ll insist that any changes have clear and direct plans so no kids falls behind.
