The Community Empowerment Association, an organization working to strengthen the Homewood Brushton area through housing, education and family support programs, has experienced two serious setbacks in recent months. However, Rashad Byrdsong, the organization’s founder, sees both obstacles as a chance to focus dialogue on issues important to the community CEA serves.

COMMUNITY GATHERING—Rashad Byrdsong welcomes guests to a Brother to Brother Breakfast, one of the many programs run by CEA.

CEA’s trouble began when they learned the building they operate from would be sold to another organization. They received a second blow two weeks ago when County Controller Mike Flaherty released a statement saying CEA would have to pay more than $300,000 back to the county due to the results of an audit.

“There was no misappropriation of funds, there was no misuse, there was no money stolen or taken,” Byrdsong said.

Originally, the School at 3115 Centre Ave. was Heron Hill School. It was renamed and renovated as Margaret Milliones Middle School. Last year, after being shuttered in a 2006 round of school closings, it reopened amid controversy with a new name, University Prep.

A year later, the Hill District six to 12th grade school is still controversial, but is beginning to form its own identity.

HELPING OUT—Seventh grade math teacher Fabyonne Williams helps one of her students at U Prep.

“I would think being able to walk to high school would be a plus—but those aren’t the calls I’m getting,” said Mark Brentley Sr., Hill District school director.  “My concern is still at the board level with the hit-and-miss method of closing and opening schools. It continues to be disruptive to the community and the students.”

After 43 years in business, 31 in various media positions, WQED President and CEO George Miles has announced he will retire in September. He said it’s time for new blood.

“It’s time to give it over to the next generation,” he said. “It’s an appropriate time for me because we just completed a new five-year strategic plan, and I don’t have another five years in me—but I have one, so I’ll be  helping to smooth the transition.”

After graduating from college in 1963, he served in the Army and as an auditor for the U.S. Department of Defense. He then worked as a CPA in New York City until he was offered a job as comptroller of KDKA-TV and KDKA-Radio.