Two incumbent Pittsburgh school board candidates were defeated in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, and two earned their spots on the ballot this November. Five out of the nine seats on the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board are up for grabs this year, creating the potential for significant change on the board. Like every school system over the past year, the board has grappled with challenging decisions related to the covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the district has faced nagging problems with equity and a daunting budget deficit, which was remedied only thanks to the acquisition of covid-related federal aid. Many of the board candidates who challenged incumbents called for sweeping changes in the district, from the way community schools operate to greater transparency on the board, especially when it comes to matters of finances. The two incumbents who prevailed over primary challengers are Sylvia Wilson, the board president, and Sala Udin, a longtime community leader who joined the board in the 2017 election. Now headed into her third term, Wilson is a retired teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and union leader. Udin, a former Pittsburgh City Council member and civil rights activist, co-founded the Hill District Education Council (HDEC). In District 1, Wilson defeated challengers Grace Higginbotham and Carlos Thomas, taking 56% of the vote. Udin took 51% of the vote in District 3, defeating Lamont Frazier Jr., according to unofficial election results. Wilson said her victory in District 1 is affirmation for her work on the board thus far — especially in the last year, amid the covid-19 pandemic and remote learning. "A lot of voters knew it was a tough year, and they knew we were doing our best,” Wilson said. "They appreciated all the work. Many of them made specific comments about my support for the kids and their families.” Newcomers were victorious in Districts 5 and 9. In the former, Tracey Reed defeated Terry Kennedy by a margin of 773 votes; in the latter, Gene Walker defeated Veronica Edwards by 152. Both Kennedy and Edwards cross-filed, and both received votes enabling them to run as Republicans in the general election in November. Walker said he felt his team ran a strong campaign and they were confident their message would resonate with voters. "I think it says a lot to the frustrations of our families in the city,” he said. "Every step that we take toward progress and equality for our students is a step in the right direction.” Walker’s platform included a focus on budget accountability, partnering the district with other local leaders and organizations and promoting sustainability and diversity in a district with a history of high turnover in the principals’ positions. From now until November, he said he’ll continue reaching out to principals, parents and other community leaders to begin "setting a foundation for the next four years.” "It will be more about partnerships and relationships than campaigning,” he said. In District 7, board member Cynthia Falls did not run for re-election. The race was between Jamie Piotrowski, a social worker, and entrepreneur Khamil Scantling. Piotrowski won with 65% of the vote. "I am so very honored and grateful to have the opportunity to represent District 7 on the School Board — in the communities I grew up in,” Piotrowski said. "I was receiving well wishes from friends and family, far and wide, all day and it was very heartwarming to know that so many folks believed in me.” Piotrowski said she now plans to attend district community meetings to introduce herself and become more involved. She’s also hoping to meet with principals and tour school buildings, as long as she can do so safely with covid-19 precautions. Piotrowski said she’s eager to begin working on important issues like equity for all students. "My biggest priority is still to ensure equity for our students and this will begin with approving the district budget,” she said. "I am looking forward to working with other members and incorporating opportunities for our communities to participate in budget allocations and the decision making process.”