Family, Youth and Community Engagement

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Pittsburgh Public Schools demonstrates its commitment to meaningful family, youth, and community engagement through the Office of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement. The office works to strengthen partnerships among families, schools, students, staff, and community organizations to support student success and ensure stakeholders have a voice in District initiatives and decision-making.

The Communications and Stakeholder Engagement team includes:

Merecedes J. Williams, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement (mwilliams4@pghschools.org)

LeAna Creighton, Coordinator, Community Schools (lcreighton1@pghschools.org)

Erica Gandy, Manager, Family, Community, and Stakeholder Engagement (egandy1@pghschools.org)

 

Hanna Beightley-Kimball, Manager, Out-of-School Time (hbeightley1@pghschools.org)

 

Tee’la McBride-Smith, Manager, Communications and Family Recruitment and Retention (tmcbride2@pghschools.org)

 

The team operates on a District-wide level and supports the following initiatives:

#PittsburghForPPS: Back to School Event

Each year, Pittsburgh Public Schools proudly hosts #PittsburghForPPS, a districtwide back-to-school celebration to kick off the new school year. The event provides students and families with valuable resources, school information, and opportunities that support student success. Through school supply giveaways, educational resources, family engagement activities, health and wellness services, and community partnerships, #PittsburghForPPS helps ensure that every student begins the school year prepared, supported, and ready to learn.

Annual PPS Parent Survey

Administers the District’s annual survey to parents and guardians to gather feedback, measure engagement, and better understand family awareness and perceptions of District and school-level initiatives.

Community Schools

Supports partnerships among schools, families, community organizations, and service providers to address students’ academic, social, emotional, and wellness needs through a holistic approach.

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Coordinators

Provides school-based support through FACE Coordinators in every school who collaborate with families, staff, and community partners to strengthen relationships and connect students to resources and opportunities.

Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

Serves as the District’s central parent leadership body, providing families with opportunities to stay informed, offer input on District initiatives, and collaborate with District leadership on policies and programs.

Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Supports implementation of the District’s Board-approved Parent and Family Engagement Policy and convenes an annual review committee that includes parents and family representatives.

Parent Hotline Support

Partners with the Information and Technology Department and Office of School Performance to support customer service, issue resolution, parent outreach, and continuous monitoring of family concerns submitted through the Parent Hotline.

Parent School Community Councils (PSCCs)

Supports school-based advisory groups that meet regularly to provide input and guidance to principals on school programs, climate, and improvement efforts.

Parent University

Offers workshops, trainings, and resources designed to equip families with the knowledge and tools needed to support student achievement, navigate District systems, and advocate effectively for their children’s education.

Public Hearing Support

Facilitates communication and follow-up with community members who participate in Board Public Hearings, ensuring stakeholder concerns and recommendations are shared appropriately.

Take a Child to School Day

Coordinates the District’s annual Take a Child to School Day initiative in September, encouraging fathers, positive male rodels, parents, guardians, mentors, and community members to engage directly in students’ educational experiences by taking their child to school on this special day. Fathers can ride, roll, or walk a PPS student to school, tour the school, and participate in learning activities.

Take a Father to School Day

In partnership with the Take a Father to School Day Committee, school staff, and community organizations, coordinates this annual initiative in May to encourage fathers, father figures, and male mentors to become actively involved in students’ education and school communities.