18-year-old woman is youngest ever to run for Pittsburgh school board

PITTSBURGH — A Duquesne University student is ready to make a big impact on her community.

Delancey Walton, 18, is running for a position on Pittsburgh Public School’s – school board.

“I’m running for school board for District 9 for Pittsburgh Public Schools,” said Walton.

Even at a young age, Walton is focused on the future and the potential for students’ in the district. “I can start now at a young age. There’s now age limit to what you want to do in life,” said Walton.

Walton’s path to being a leader began in high school.

“I was the BSU president. For two years, I was part of “Stand Together” which is a mental health awareness group in our schools.” said Walton.

Now, she is taking on an even bigger task, by focusing on future generations.

“It’s an opportunity for me to bring what we have been asking for, to make sure that we are making decisions that are student focused,” said Walton.

“I want to be able to look over all the policies and procedures and any programs coming in that will be beneficial to our students; and not policies as procedures that won’t be beneficial to our students,” said Walton.

In her spare time, Walton has been meeting with parents and students who have had a strong desire to return to their school campuses.

“For students mostly, it’s a desire. It’s really a desire. We do like the hybrid model, but it gives us the opportunity to see our teachers. I know even for me as a student, I need to see my teacher face to face,” said Walton.

Walton has spoken to students who are hesitant to return, but she is confident mass vaccination clinics will help ease those fears. Her main focus is being a voice for students; and the first thing she wants to work on immediately is the district’s budget.

“The first think I would focus on is making sure that we have a nice revenue coming in for our students; so – that we could be able to give them the resources and programs that we already have and to expand them,” said Walton.

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