🧑‍🏫 The school board grades itself

City Council Wants A Raise

Pittsburgh City Council members are proposing a 7.1% increase to their pay in the city’s budget for next year — double what Mayor Ed Gainey proposed. If approved, this would take council member salaries from $81,137 annually to $86,970. Council is expected to take a final vote on the budget this week. [TribLIVE]

PPS Board’s Report Card

Pittsburgh Public Schools Board of Directors graded their effectiveness at running the district this year and the results were categorically “not effective.” The Pennsylvania School Board Association conducted the survey, and it revealed that board members at the time had concerns about communication challenges and focus. The board plans to address these challenges with a renewed focus on communication and setting clear priorities. [WESA]

In Memoriam: Pittsburgh Policing Pioneer

Therese Rocco, the first female assistant chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, died at the age of 97. Known for her unwavering commitment to solving missing persons cases, Rocco became a role model and advocate for women in law enforcement during her decades of service. [TribLIVE]

• More on Chief Rocco: As a woman, Chief Rocco wasn't allowed to attend the police academy, couldn't carry a weapon, and was paid significantly less than her subordinate male colleagues. Hear how she rose through the ranks despite barriers and devoted her life to finding missing kids on Friday's City Cast Pittsburgh podcast. [City Cast Pittsburgh 🎧]

South Pittsburgh Needs a Voice (and A Vote)

Beechview saw a 75% surge in its Hispanic and Latino population from 2010 to 2020, and many of those new residents now make up 10% of the neighborhood. Although many in Beechview’s Latino and Hispanic community might not have voting power, officials are looking at how to keep them civically engaged. [PublicSource]

Have you been following the daily installments of my holiday gift guide? You have no excuse for not shopping locally this season – especially with the roundup I’ve given you.

Here’s my Pittsburgh girl math: If it’s made here, the dollar amount just doesn’t count. Because how can you put a price on supporting a Pittsburgh dream?

For The Pittsburgher With Style

So…I may have bought myself a gift at the Handmade Arcade, and it might have been these earrings. This handmade bead crochet jewelry by Enid Beads is such an impressive craft and the perfect pop for any outfit. Find the creations here.

Our Pittsburgh Airport Survival Guide

More than 300,000 people will be passing through Pittsburgh International Airport between Dec. 22 and Jan. 1, and getting there can sometimes be even more troublesome than the flights. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our best travel tips and tricks. Plus, what’s up with the $1.4 billion renovation at the airport?