David Atkinson

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David Atkinson

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Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 21, 2019

David Atkinson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Pittsburgh Board of Directors to represent District 2 in Pennsylvania. Atkinson lost in the Democratic primary on May 21, 2019.

Atkinson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elections

2019

See also: Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pennsylvania, elections (2019)

General election

General election for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 2

Devon Taliaferro defeated Kirk Rys in the general election for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 2 on November 5, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Devon Taliaferro (D)	82.2	7,939
	Submit photo	Kirk Rys (R)	17.6	1,703
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	16

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 9,658
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 2

Devon Taliaferro defeated Kirk Rys, David Atkinson, and Nosakhere Griffin-El in the Democratic primary for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 2 on May 21, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Devon Taliaferro	33.7	1,887
	Submit photo	Kirk Rys	26.6	1,488
	Submit photo	David Atkinson	21.8	1,221
		Nosakhere Griffin-El	17.5	979
		Other/Write-in votes	0.4	20

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,595
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 2

Kirk Rys advanced from the Republican primary for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 2 on May 21, 2019.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Kirk Rys	100.0	196

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 196
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Note: Pennsylvania allows candidate cross-filing. Kirk Rys appeared on both the Democratic and Republican primary ballots.

Campaign themes

2019

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

David Atkinson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Atkinson's responses.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

DEVELOPING AN INCLUSIVE CULTURE IN OUR SCHOOLS: I will work to make changes that foster an inclusive environment in all our schools. I understand the urgent need for qualified STEM professionals and believe that engaging underrepresented groups in high quality math and science programs will boost our economy and national defense. CHARTING A COURSE TO UNIVERSAL PRE-K WITH DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES THROUGH THIRD GRADE: I will strive to prepare the School District for universal pre-kindergarten that supports the unique physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of young children. I understand that families need affordable, high quality pre-kindergarten and extended care. REALIGNING THE DISTRICT TO SERVE STUDENTS, FAMILIES

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I support the District’s efforts to implement restorative justice practices. The new Pennsylvania truancy law (Act 138 of 2016) provides clear guidelines and more options to deal with truancy. The new law should help put students back in school by identifying the root cause of truancy, developing attendance plans and providing supports through the Focus on Attendance program. I would work with the District, the Courts and service providers to develop consistent protocols for truancy that support the child’s emotional growth and well-being.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I promise to listen, to learn and to consider issues with an open mind if you select me as your Board Representative.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

2019 Elections

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Government

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