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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Majority Policy Committee |
State Rep. Dan Deasy D-Allegheny Hearing Co-Chairman |
Majority Policy Committee looks at education funding issues
MCKEES ROCKS, May 12 – The House Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing today at Sto-Rox High School to examine the way education is paid for in Pennsylvania, according to Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, requested the hearing and served as its co-chairman.
"Improving education funding has been at the core of the House Democratic Caucus' platform for years, and while a significant portion of funding comes from a state appropriation, we understand the bottom line is educating our children is a partnership," Sturla said. "Representative Deasy has been a relentless advocate for children and I commend him for wanting to bring attention to the way education is funded, including special education and charter schools."
Deasy added, "It is so important to hear testimony to resolve educational issues in our school districts. Both public and expert testimony can shed light on the problems and ways to rectify situations from both a local and state level. Potential solutions can help these districts not only in the near future, but in the long run, as well."
Those testifying at the hearing included Dr. Fran Serenka, superintendent, Sto-Rox High School; Dr. Ed Martiz, school director, Sto-Rox High School; Dr. Reggie Bonfield, superintendent, Northgate School District; Ruth Strasser, director of special services, Northgate School District; Barbara Supinka, staff representative, American Federation of Teachers-PA; Alen Friedman, senior program director for special education, Allegheny Intermediate Unit; Patrick Sable, director of finance, Allegheny Intermediate Unit; and Jenny Bradmon, executive director, Pennsylvania Families for Public Cyber Schools.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, go to www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.