Below is a letter on the Chester Upland crisis and public school funding.  Use the text in this letter and hand write to state representatives, and mail them. Find addresses on PSEA's Legislative Action Center.

Together we will make a difference for our students and our schools

PLEASE HAND WRITE THIS LETTER AND SEND IT TO YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

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Dear:

The Chester Upland School District could close its doors this month because of Governor Tom Corbett’s unprecedented $860 million in school funding cuts.

The Governor has refused to advance the school district the state funds it needs to stay open, even after his budget slashed Chester Upland’s state funding by $8.4 million, a crushing 14.4 percent reduction in state aid.

Without state funds, Chester Upland probably won’t be able to pay the school district’s teachers and support professionals. They have agreed to work without pay for as long as they are able so that the school district’s 3,600 students have access to a public education.

This is a crisis. Before long, it could happen in other school districts.

School districts have already increased class sizes, cut course offerings, and eliminated tutoring

programs. This year, it will be even worse.

Pennsylvania’s public school students need your help.

Please ask Governor Corbett to help Chester Upland’s students. And please work to restore the $860 million that the Governor cut from all Pennsylvania school districts – before it’s too late.

Sincerely,

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Don't think it couldn't happen here!