Judge Jimmie Moore Embarks on Listening Tour of Chester

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January 18, 2012            Kicking off a week long listening tour of Chester on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Judge Moore has had the pleasure of meeting with and hearing from folks from all walks of life in the City.  Speaking with seniors, parents, activists, nurses, and clergy, Judge Moore has been impressed by the hardworking, dedicated community members who have been empowered to take control of their city and are fighting for their children, families, and jobs.  "The energy, commitment, and drive that this group of individuals has shown in refusing to be a throw-away, third-class city is overwhelming, and you have inspired me to work harder to listen to the needs of Chester and the ideas emerging from new discussions among its community leaders.”

Presently, the most urgent issue facing the city of Chester is the bankruptcy of its school system.  Students have been sent home from school for lack of funding.  The incredible teachers, staff, and parents of the district have been working without pay because they refuse to give in to the apathy that the state has shown with regard to these children’s futures. 

None of Chester-Upland's problems arose overnight.  It is unconscionable that the situation has come to such a dramatic head.  Chester-Upland received 70% of its funding from the commonwealth, making it particularly vulnerable after the governor's budget cuts last summer.  The district is also unique in that 45% of its students attend charter schools, 45% of the district's budget goes to fund them. The high school graduation rate of the district is 51%, among the lowest in the state.  Additionally, 72% of Chester-Upland's students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. A major reason why shutting down the district, even temporarily, is not an option is that for many kids school is the only place where they get a healthy meal. 

Moore says “As I learn how deeply they care about, and how hard its citizens work to improve their city, I believe even more strongly that Chester deserves a representative who listens, cares, and is willing and able to think outside the box in order to find bold solutions for the revitalization of an already great community.”   Judge Moore looks forward to teaming up with parents, teachers, and local educational institutions to create partnerships that will uplift both the school district and the city.