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Cynthia Falls
Cynthia Falls was a member of the Pittsburgh School District school board in Pennsylvania, representing District 7. Falls assumed office in 2013. Falls left office on December 6, 2021.
Falls ran for re-election to the Pittsburgh School District school board to represent District 7 in Pennsylvania. Falls won in the general election on November 7, 2017.
Pennsylvania permits school board candidates to cross-file in primary elections. This means that a candidate may file to run in the primary election for both the Democratic and Republican parties. A cross-filed candidate can advance to the general election by winning one or both of the partisan primaries. This maximizes a candidate’s chances of advancing to the general as they have two ways to win in the primary round. If the candidate wins only one of the primaries, they face the winner of the other primary in the general election. Cross-filers who win both primaries may still face independent candidates in the general election.[1]
Biography
Falls served as the education chairperson of the Carrick Community Board of Directors. She worked with Pittsburgh Concord, Pittsburgh Roosevelt, Pittsburgh South Brook, and Pittsburgh Carrick High School acting as the liaison between these schools. She was a Voices against Violence volunteer, an A+ School Volunteer, and worked with the Hilltop Alliance.[2] Falls worked as a teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools for 18 years before retiring in 2010. She received her B.S.N. in nursing from Penn State University in 1983.[3]
Elections
2017
Five of the nine seats on the Pittsburgh School District school board were up for by-district general election on November 7, 2017. A partisan primary election was held on May 16, 2017, leaving one candidate running per seat. These candidates could have faced independent candidates in the general election. However, no independent candidate filed by the August 1, 2017, deadline to get on the ballot.[4]
In her bid for re-election, District 1 incumbent Sylvia Wilson filed as a Democrat and faced no opposition in the primary or general election. Two candidates filed as Democrats for the open District 3 seat. Sala Udin defeated James Myers, Jr. in the primary election and advanced to the general election. Udin won the general election with no opposition. Official vote totals showed that the District 1 and 3 seats on the primary Republican ballots received 10 and 16 write-in votes, respectively. These numbers were not high enough to qualify any write-in candidates to appear on the general Republican ballots for the seats, so no Republican candidates appeared on the ballot.[5]
The District 5 incumbent Terry Kennedy cross-filed as a Democrat and Republican for re-election and was joined on the ballot by newcomer Ghadah Makoshi, who also cross-filed. Kennedy won both the Democratic and Republican nominations and proceeded to win the general election without opposition.
In her bid for re-election, District 7 incumbent Cynthia Falls cross-filed for another term on the board and faced Democratic challenger Joseph Conrad Kearfott Burns in the primary election. Falls won both the Democratic and Republican nominations and faced no opponent in the general election. District 9 incumbent Carolyn Klug filed as a Democrat for re-election, and was joined on the primary election ballot by challenger Veronica Edwards, who cross-filed in the race. Edwards defeated Klug for the Democratic nomination and won the Republican nomination as well. She advanced to the general election, which she won unopposed.[6][7][8]
General results
| Pittsburgh School District, District 7 General Election, 4-year term, 2017 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic/Republican |  Cynthia Falls Incumbent (unopposed) |
98.79% | 3,195 | |
| Write-in votes | 1.21% | 39 | ||
| Total Votes | 3,234 | |||
| Source: Allegheny County, "Unofficial Election Night Final (with Absentees)," accessed November 8, 2017 These election results are unofficial and will be updated after official vote totals are made available. | ||||
Democratic primary results
| Pittsburgh School District, District 7 Democratic Primary Election, 4-year term, 2017 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Cynthia Falls Incumbent |
72.52% | 1,961 | |
| Democratic | Joseph Conrad Kearfott Burns | 26.74% | 723 | |
| Write-in votes | 0.74% | 20 | ||
| Total Votes | 2,704 | |||
| Source: Allegheny County, "2017 Primary Election Official Results," accessed June 21, 2017 | ||||
Republican primary results
| Pittsburgh School District, District 7 Republican Primary Election, 4-year term, 2017 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Cynthia Falls Incumbent (unopposed) |
97.66% | 209 | |
| Write-in votes | 2.34% | 5 | ||
| Total Votes | 214 | |||
| Source: Allegheny County, "2017 Primary Election Official Results," accessed June 21, 2017 | ||||
Funding
| 2017 Campaign Finance Deadlines in Pennsylvania[9] | |
|---|---|
| Date | Deadline |
| May 5, 2017 | 2nd Friday Pre-Primary report due |
| June 15, 2017 | 30-Day Post-Primary report due |
| October 27, 2017 | 2nd Friday Pre-Election report due |
| December 7, 2017 | 30-Day Post-Election report due |
School board candidates in Pennsylvania were required to report their campaign finance activity. Those who spent or received more than $250 in a reporting period had to file full reports. Those below the threshold had to file forms to declare they were exempt from reporting. Candidates could have, but were not required to, form committees to handle campaign finance transactions. They were not required to have separate bank accounts for campaign purposes.[10]
The table to the left details the four campaign finance deadlines in 2017.[9]
2013
Falls ran unopposed for the District 7 seat on November 5, 2013.
Results
| Pittsburgh Public Schools, District 7 General Election, 4-year term, 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Cross filed | Cynthia Falls |
99.2% | 3,386 | |
| Nonpartisan | Write-in | 0.8% | 26 | |
| Total Votes | 3,412 | |||
| Source: Allegheny County, "2013 General Election Results," accessed March 31, 2017 | ||||
| Pittsburgh Public Schools District 7 Primary Election, 4-year term, 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Cynthia Falls |
98.7% | 293 | |
| Republican | Write-In | 1.3% | 4 | |
| Total Votes | 297 | |||
| Source: "Allegheny County Election Results, "2013 Primary Results," accessed September 30, 2013 | ||||
| Pittsburgh Public Schools District 7 Primary Election, 4-year term, 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democrat | Cynthia Falls |
99.5% | 3,255 | |
| Democrat | Write-In | 0.5% | 15 | |
| Total Votes | 3,270 | |||
| Source: "Allegheny County Election Results, "2013 Primary Results," accessed September 30, 2013 | ||||
Campaign finance
Falls reported no contributions or expenditures to the Allegheny County Election Division in this election.[9]
Endorsements
Falls did not receive any official endorsements for her campaign in this election.
Campaign themes
2017
A series of questions and answers by Falls was posted on Vote School Board First! They are listed below:[11]
Q: Currently, nearly half of the dollars spent at a school building are allocated centrally and not accounted for at the building level, making it difficult to know whether resources are being distributed equitably to meet student needs. How will you make Pittsburgh Public Schools budgeting process more transparent?
A: Many services are allotted from Central Office as needed per school. The budget is presented and available on line for public access. Any specific questions should be directed to the Chief Financial Officer of PPS.
Q: Under what circumstances would you support increasing or decreasing property taxes in the district? What research or evidence would you use to help you make that decision?
A: We have qualified staff that would bring the appropriate information to the Board for review and discuss this matter in an open meeting with the public.
Q: Over the last several years Pittsburgh Public Schools has seen a decline in student enrollment. How will you reverse this trend to keep families in the district?
A: Student enrollment has been declining for more than the past several years. We need to be proactive in publicizing advanced academic programs, CTE programs and the opportunities available qualifying for the Pittsburgh Promise.
Q: How will you, as a board member, improve the district’s transportation system?
A: I am not sure what is meant by improving the district's transportation system. This is state funded and mandated. We expect the director of transportation to abide by the mandates and comprise the most efficient system possible.
Q: Do you support the universal screening of all students for Gifted and Talented education supports?
A: Universal screening for Gifted and Talented education is a topic that deserves input from all of the stakeholders. Proper information and presentation(s) bring all aspects of this topic to the forefront.
Q: Do you agree with the board’s decision to create another tier of disciplinary infractions? Would you be in favor of creating more tiers to better address behavior problems?
A: Tiers of infractions should exist for the variety disciplines that should be evaluated on a one on one basis. I look forward to the upcoming community forums with all stakeholders as it relates to the code of conduct.
Q: Suspensions and expulsions are rarely an effective means for improving school climate. What alternatives will you support (eg. Restorative Justice, Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems, others) through policy to reduce school pushout and improve school climate? (Please cite the research or evidence you will use to back up your policy position).
A: We have a very efficient policy committee that meets and reviews all input provided under the guidance of our legal department. The outcome of this committee is then brought forth before the Board for discussion, review and eventually must be voted on.
Q: If elected, your main job will be to serve over 26,000 students in Pittsburgh’s district and charter schools. How will you ensure student voice is taken into account by the school board?
A: I think the best way to ensure student voice is heard is to visit the schools and listen to the students. Carrying their messages back to the Board and Administration is important to me. In addition, Administration is working on strategies to ensure student voices.
Q: Pittsburgh Public Schools hiring process often does not conclude until August for many new teachers, later than most surrounding districts. What policies will you enact to improve the hiring timeline for new teachers and to attract a more diverse pool of candidates?
A: Prospective candidates can apply and proceed through the interview process in April or May. Of course, passing all the requirements will complete the hiring process.
Q: PPS is currently in the planning stages of creating community schools. What research or evidence will you use to monitor the successful implementation of a community schools model?
A: It will be the responsibility of the person in charge of community schools to report back to the Board with data and explain the status and progress made at each of the schools.
Q: Reading at grade level by third grade has been shown to be a strong predictor of future academic success, and in 2016 only 47% of Pittsburgh’s third graders met that bar. What will you do as a Board member to ensure that students benefit from systematic, comprehensive and evidence-based reading interventions so that more of our students are reading at grade level by third grade?
A: There are literacy people that will held accountable for monitoring achievement and reporting back to the Board. The introduction of new curriculum will add to the assistance of correlating the material to the PA Common Core Standards.
Q: How will you as a board member identify gaps in opportunities for students and work to address them so as to close gaps in student achievement?
A: Each school must evaluate the data from their students and utilize the resources to meet the needs of each individual student to work toward closing the gaps in student achievement.
Q: How will you ensure that students receive a well-balanced and healthy lunch that students will want to eat?
A: This is a federally funded program and must meet several mandates. There are people that oversee the proper nutritional needs of our students.
Q: How will you make sure students have up to date materials especially in history and literature classes?
A: The book committee reviews the material and determines what materials are appropriate. This committee consists of a variety of stakeholders.
Q: What is your vision for the expansion of Pre-K in Pittsburgh? What do you see as the role of Pre-K in a child's learning progression through the PPS system?
A: State funding has increased to expand Pre-K and we support this effort. The importance of Pre-K will continue to be a major emphasis.
Q: How will you work constructively with the eight other board members to ensure all Pittsburgh students receive a quality education?
A: Board leadership is vital. The Board President must keep the remainder of the Board informed of all matters so efficient and effective decisions can be made.
Q: How will you effectively advocate for Pittsburgh’s students with other elected officials, both local and state?
A: The PPS Board members are elected officials and it's own governing entity with levying rights the same as our state and local officials. Each one has their own responsibilities and sharing information is vital. We have a committee that is established to ensure this relationship meets all of the guidelines to be productive.
Q: How will you communicate the board’s work with your constituents, parents and non-parents alike?
A: It is the Superintendent's responsibility to evaluate the Communication and Marketing department to be assured that this communication is occurring. If not, this should be brought to the Superintendent's attention.
Q: How will you support best practices in early education (Pre-K- Grade 4), including play based learning and a focus on social and emotional skills?
A: The Superintendent is accountable for evaluating and bringing forth any other options or resources that may be necessary.
See also
- Pittsburgh School District, Pennsylvania
- Pittsburgh School District elections (2017)
- Pittsburgh Public Schools elections (2013)
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Pennsylvania School Boards Association, "How to Run for School Board," accessed March 30, 2017
- ↑ "Voices Against Violence," "People," accessed September 30, 2013
- ↑ "Linked In," "Cynthia Falls," accessed September 30, 2013
- ↑ Allegheny County, "Candidates," accessed October 25, 2017
- ↑ Elisabeth Moore, "Phone conversation with an Allegheny County elections official," June 21, 2017
- ↑ Allegheny County, PA, "2017 Primary Election," May 17, 2017These election results are unofficial and will be updated after official vote totals are made available.
- ↑ Allegheny County, "Running for Office-List of Candidates," accessed March 31, 2017
- ↑ Allegheny County, "Unofficial Election Night Final (with Absentees)," accessed November 8, 2017
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Pennsylvania Department of State, "2017 Election Calendar," accessed April 19, 2017 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "finance" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Pennsylvania Department of State, "Campaign Finance Reporting Law," accessed January 15, 2014
- ↑ Vote School Board First! "Cynthia Falls," accessed May 10, 2017
| Pittsburgh School District elections in 2017 | |
| Allegheny County, Pennsylvania | |
| Election date: | Primary: May 16, 2017 General: November 7, 2017 |
| Candidates: | District 1: Incumbent, Sylvia Wilson (D) District 3: James Myers, Jr. (D) • Sala Udin (D) |
| Important information: | What's at stake? |
