I am at a loss for words to express the magnitude of thanks that I need to at this time – but I am going to try to do service to this endeavor. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the support I have received in this campaign from family, friends, neighbors, and the general public. I am honored to have received the endorsement of the people that make up District 6 and vow that I will not let you down.
On the morning of Tuesday, May 19th, my husband, Ray Ackerman, and a multitude of other volunteers, set off to their polls armed with literature about my campaign and the knowledge that we had ran a positive, grass-roots effort throughout our district. We knocked doors, talked to neighbors, hosted events, and sent mailers. We attempted to reach every voter prior to the election, but we also aimed to reach every voter as they came to their poll. I am thankful to the THIRTY-FOUR people who spent all or part of their day at the polls working hard to get our message out. In a small race like this, YOU make the difference. Your commitment to working to educate voters made the difference in this race, that is one thing of which I am sure.
Throughout the day, my friend, Kelli Coghill, and I drove to polls to relieve workers and bring them snacks and water. We talked to so many voters from across the district who had heard my message loud and clear and even some who came out specifically to vote for my race alone. My parents drove Ruari to school and spent all day with Regan so that we could work from sun up to sun down to hopefully accomplish our big goal.
As we drove, I reflected on the reasons that I got into this race. Pittsburgh Public Schools have a lot to offer. As a graduate of the district, I *know* that we can do right by our kids. But I also know that we can improve. With my degree in Education from PSU and my business experience, I feel that we can move the district in the direction that is needed. We can create community schools that provide needed interventions for students who may be struggling. We can provide the social workers throughout the district to facilitate services for our kids. We can partner with the city, labor unions, and our communities to create innovative curriculum to be implemented in our schools. We can have safe schools, with proper collaborations between city and school police and the right communications with parents when incidents do occur. We can implement restorative practices in our schools so that our kids are supported and receiving the education that they deserve instead of being put out into the streets. We can stop the school to prison pipeline. We can fight for fair funding for our schools – working with Harrisburg and our elected officials to pass budgets and policies that will give our students the resources they need where they need them most. We can support the amazing teachers who are on the front lines of delivering education to our students and who work tirelessly to make sure that our students are learning. We can fight for the youngest children of this city by lobbying for UNIVERSAL free pre-K options in our district. We can do all of this because the people have elected a slate of school directors who share these values. And we can do it because it’s the right thing to do.
When 8:00PM came on Tuesday night, I found myself hopeful and filled with anticipation. As the first poll results came in, and then another, and another, we could see the trend. The voters had spoken and they had spoken loud. Not only did we win the Democratic ticket, but also the Republican. Education should not be political… voters shouldn’t have to side with the right or the left… they should side with the kids. And that is what happened on Tuesday night. And I am so proud.
I have to thank so many people, and I’m afraid that if I start listing them individually that this post will go on forever. Instead, I will name just a few. First and foremost, my husband, Ray. Who filled my role with grace and much more style as I worked tirelessly on the campaign. Who made sure that our kids were fed (even if they ate pizza for two months), bathed, and sleeping all while fulfilling his role as an amazing teacher. I love you. To my parents and my sister – who fed us, babysat, edited literature, listened to rants, and supported us throughout this adventure – you have been lifesavers and we could not have functioned without you. I love you, too. To my campaign chair, Anthony Coghill, and his fiance and daughter, Lisa and Kelli, this wasn’t our first rodeo and it showed. We have come a long way from “bringing home the dollars” and I am in awe at what we can do. Your knowledge, commitment, and support is unwavering and much appreciated. To the wonderful people I have met through my work with GPS and while on the campaign trail: Rachel, Pam, Lindsey, Erin W., Erin M., Chuck, Lynda, Kevin, Nikki, Nina, Eric, Jeremiah, and others that may have slipped my mind… Do not take it as a slight – I think we all know the level of exhaustion that everyone is feeling. This group has given me the knowledge, confidence, and will to do great work – now and in the future. You are all amazing.
Thank you to those that supported me by working your polls, word of mouth, knocking doors, donating to the campaign, lending your ears (and your shoulders on bad days), and especially, to the voters. I will not let you down and you will not regret your decision.
For all of this, I am thankful, humbled, and honored. Thank you.
-Moira
moirakaleida.wordpress.com 
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