Tonya Fores
From Ballotpedia
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Tonya Fores (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Pittsburgh School District school board to represent District 3 in Pennsylvania. She lost in the Democratic primary on May 20, 2025.
Fores completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Tonya Fores was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from David B. Oliver High School. She attended the Community College of Allegheny County. Her career experience includes working in transportation. She has been affiliated with the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.[1]
Elections
2025
See also: Pittsburgh Public Schools, Pennsylvania, elections (2025)
General election
General election for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 3
Erikka Grayson is running in the general election for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 3 on November 4, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Erikka Grayson (D) | ||
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 3
Erikka Grayson defeated Tonya Fores in the Democratic primary for Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 3 on May 20, 2025.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Erikka Grayson | 73.1 | 3,726 | |
 | Tonya Fores | 26.4 | 1,347 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.5 | 23 | ||
| Total votes: 5,096 | |||
| = 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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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Tonya Fores completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Fores' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is Tonya Fores, and I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A proud graduate of Connelly Trade School, I have gained hands-on skills and a strong work ethic that have guided me throughout my professional journey.
I currently serve as a Transportation Supervisor at Core-Mark, where I bring leadership and organization to my role each day. With over eight years of experience as a committee woman, I have remained committed to engaging with my community and working toward meaningful change.
Giving back is a core value for me. I take pride in organizing and participating in holiday drives and outreach events to support local families in need. This dedication to service fuels my desire to advocate for equity and opportunity at every level.- Protecting and Strengthening Our Schools I believe school closures should not be an option. Our schools are community pillars. I will work to protect them, advocate for equitable funding, and push for real solutions not shutdowns.
- To stop low enrollment, we must focus on making our schools more attractive and accessible to families. Strengthening after-school programs, improving school safety, and enhancing parent engagement can also make a significant impact. When families see their neighborhood schools as thriving, welcoming, and well-resourced, they are more likely to enroll their children and remain invested long-term.
- We must also think beyond graduation. Better education means preparing students not just for tests, but for life. That means equipping them with the tools to succeed in today’s world academically, socially, and professionally. We need to integrate real-world skills into the classroom, such as resume writing, interview techniques, conflict resolution, digital literacy, civic education, and entrepreneurship. Schools should be places where students not only learn facts but build confidence, discover their passions, and gain the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to society. By connecting curriculum to life beyond high school, we empower our youth to make informed decisions and thrive in any path they choose.
I am especially passionate about public policy areas that impact educational equity, youth opportunity, and community empowerment. I advocate for policies that provide fair funding for all schools, support student mental health, and expand access to technical and career-based training. I also support initiatives that strengthen family-school partnerships and create safe, inclusive learning environments. Through thoughtful, community-focused policy, we can give every child the opportunity to succeed—no matter their background or zip code.
If I could recommend one film that embodies my political philosophy, it would be Waiting for "Superman". While the film has sparked debate, it sheds light on the challenges and inequities within our public school system—issues I am deeply passionate about addressing. It emphasizes the importance of reform, equity, and community-driven solutions, all of which reflect the values I carry into my campaign. I believe every child deserves access to high-quality education, and we must be willing to confront hard truths, advocate for systemic change, and work together to build a better future for all students.
As an elected official, I believe the most important characteristics are integrity, transparency, empathy, and accountability. Leaders must listen to the voices of the people they serve and make decisions that reflect the needs of the entire community. It’s critical to be approachable, informed, and willing to collaborate across differences to reach meaningful solutions. Public trust must be earned through consistent action, fairness, and a commitment to doing what is right—even when it’s not easy. I strive to embody these principles in every aspect of my public service.
I believe the core responsibilities of someone elected to the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board include advocating for students and families, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and upholding transparency in all decisions. Board members must work collaboratively to develop strong educational policies, oversee the equitable distribution of resources, and support initiatives that promote academic excellence and student well-being. It is also essential to maintain open communication with the public, actively listen to concerns, and engage with the community to build trust and make informed, inclusive decisions that benefit all schools.
I want my legacy to be one of meaningful change and lasting impact. I hope to be remembered as a leader who listened, who acted with integrity, and who put students and families first. My goal is to leave behind a stronger, more inclusive school system—one where every child could thrive, and every voice is valued.
The primary job of a school board member is to be a voice for the students, parents, and educators they serve. This means advocating for equitable access to resources, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making, and creating safe, inclusive, high-quality learning environments. A school board member must lead with integrity, listen to the community, and always put students first.
My constituents are the students, parents, educators, and community members across Pittsburgh who rely on our public school system. I represent families from all walks of life—those who are directly impacted by the quality of our schools, the decisions made by the school board, and the resources provided to ensure every child has a fair shot at success.
Supporting the diverse needs of our district starts with listening—truly understanding the unique challenges and strengths of each student, educator, and family.
To build strong relationships with the broader community, I will prioritize open dialogue and consistent engagement with parents, educators, students, and local stakeholders. I plan to collaborate with neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, nonprofit groups, youth programs, local businesses, and advocacy organizations that share a commitment to equity in education. By attending community meetings, hosting listening sessions, and being present in every neighborhood, I aim to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. True change happens when we work together—and I am committed to building those bridges every day.
Good teaching is rooted in connection, clarity, and commitment. It means creating a classroom environment where students feel inspired, supported, and challenged. Strong teachers foster critical thinking, adapt to diverse learning styles, and continuously strive to improve their practice. They don’t just teach to a test—they ignite curiosity, build relationships, and nurture a love of learning.
We need to prepare students for the real world—not just tests. I support expanding curriculum with advanced technical training, apprenticeships, and dual-enrollment options that offer college credit in high school.
To ensure schools are properly funded, I will advocate for fair and equitable state funding that prioritizes underserved communities. I support stronger partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits to bring in additional resources and career-connected learning opportunities.
I’ll also push for greater financial transparency and efficiency to make sure every dollar is spent on what matters most—students, teachers, and classrooms. And I’ll work with city and state leaders to secure sustainable, long-term funding that meets the growing needs of our schools.
I’ll also push for greater financial transparency and efficiency to make sure every dollar is spent on what matters most—students, teachers, and classrooms. And I’ll work with city and state leaders to secure sustainable, long-term funding that meets the growing needs of our schools.
Safety in schools must be grounded in compassion, prevention, and community. I support policies that prioritize mental health services, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches to discipline. Every student should feel safe, valued, and respected in their learning environment.
Mental health is just as important as academic achievement. I will support the expansion of on-site mental health services and wellness programs for students, faculty, and staff. This includes increasing the number of counselors and mental health professionals, integrating social-emotional learning into classrooms, and ensuring access to resources for stress management and self-care.
I believe it’s time to re-evaluate outdated district policies and implement new ones that reflect the needs of today’s students, educators, and families. I would prioritize updating policies to:
Increase student access to career and technical education (CTE) pathways.
Promote inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of our communities.
Strengthen family engagement policies to ensure all voices are heard.
Improve transparency and community input in decision-making.
Expand support services for students with learning differences and special needs.
My ideal learning environment for students is one that is inclusive, nurturing, and engaging. It should be a place where every child feels safe, respected, and supported in their academic journey. This environment prioritizes student-centered learning, encourages creativity, and fosters critical thinking. Classrooms should reflect cultural diversity, offer hands-on experiences, and incorporate technology in meaningful ways. Equally important is the presence of supportive adults—teachers, counselors, and staff—who build positive relationships with students and help them grow both academically and personally. A well-rounded learning environment also includes strong partnerships with families and the community, ensuring that learning continues beyond the classroom walls. When students feel seen, heard, and inspired, they are empowered to succeed.
The coronavirus pandemic challenged every aspect of our education system. While our district made efforts to keep students safe and learning, the crisis revealed gaps in equity, technology access, and support services.
To build meaningful relationships with parents in the district, I will create multiple opportunities for engagement that go beyond traditional meetings. This includes hosting regular town halls, listening sessions, and family forums in accessible locations and at convenient times. I will also develop partnerships with parent-teacher organizations and community groups to ensure ongoing two-way communication. It's important that parents feel not only heard, but empowered to participate in shaping the direction of our schools. I will work to build trust by being transparent, responsive, and consistently present in the lives of the families I serve.
To attract and retain high-quality faculty, staff, and administrators, I believe we must invest in competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and supportive work environments. Recruitment should focus on equity and diversity, ensuring our school personnel reflect the communities they serve. I support building partnerships with local universities and teacher preparation programs to create a pipeline of future educators, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, retaining great staff means fostering a culture of respect, recognition, and collaboration—where every educator feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
When it comes to financial transparency and government accountability, I believe these are not just ideals—they are non-negotiable responsibilities. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent and to trust that public resources are being used efficiently and ethically. As a school board member, I will push for clear, accessible reporting on budgets and expenditures and support audits and oversight measures to ensure funds are directed toward student success. Accountability means being honest when mistakes are made and working quickly to correct them. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong community.
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
2025 Elections
External links
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Candidate Pittsburgh School District Board of Directors District 3 |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 21, 2025
