Tom Joseph
HARRISBURG, Pa. - After today, a Pennsylvania school district officially runs out of money, and the state's largest public employees union is concerned that the state is turning its back on the situation. The Chester-Upland School District says it cannot pay its bills beyond Tuesday, and the state has refused to advance the district money for teacher and staff salaries.
Linda Cook, who heads the Southeast Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), says the teacher's union members are stepping up.
"As long as they are individually able, they will continue to work for the district, even if they are not paid."
PSEA President Michael Crossey calls the situation "unprecedented and unfortunate," adding that any number of lower income districts in the state could find themselves in the same boat. As a whole, he says Pennsylvania's educational system still has a lot going for it.
However, Crossey says, "It needs to have resources, and if you starve it of resources, then you're going to have things like this happen. We're the adults in the room; we need to figure out how to take care of the kids in the room."
Chester-Upland elementary teacher Bonita Walker says arguing over whether schools should stay open misses the point.
"It shouldn't be these political games; it shouldn't be pointing fingers at anyone or who's at fault. But we really should put children first."
State education officials claim that between 2006 and 2010, budgets and staff size went up in the district, even as enrollment dropped by almost 1,000 students. District leaders claim the deficits began to pile up years earlier than that, when the district was under state control. The district has filed a lawsuit asking that the state be ordered to increase financial support, so that it can continue to educate students.
Linda Cook, who heads the Southeast Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), says the teacher's union members are stepping up.
"As long as they are individually able, they will continue to work for the district, even if they are not paid."
PSEA President Michael Crossey calls the situation "unprecedented and unfortunate," adding that any number of lower income districts in the state could find themselves in the same boat. As a whole, he says Pennsylvania's educational system still has a lot going for it.
However, Crossey says, "It needs to have resources, and if you starve it of resources, then you're going to have things like this happen. We're the adults in the room; we need to figure out how to take care of the kids in the room."
Chester-Upland elementary teacher Bonita Walker says arguing over whether schools should stay open misses the point.
"It shouldn't be these political games; it shouldn't be pointing fingers at anyone or who's at fault. But we really should put children first."
State education officials claim that between 2006 and 2010, budgets and staff size went up in the district, even as enrollment dropped by almost 1,000 students. District leaders claim the deficits began to pile up years earlier than that, when the district was under state control. The district has filed a lawsuit asking that the state be ordered to increase financial support, so that it can continue to educate students.
Look at the political contribution facts "http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.blogspot.com/2011/06/follow-money-contributions-by-vahan.html" and remember them when Pileggi's lies about how much he wants the school district to be a succes in his town hall meeting on Jan. 27. Everyone please lets not forget this when election time roles back around!
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