Crisis in American Education: People of Faith Respond

Crisis in American Education, A committee of the Wayne Presbyterian Church has been following the financial collapse of the Chester-Upland School District with particular personal concern because, over the past year, the church has been helping the youth court operated in Chester High School. Due to dire financial circumstances, the schools of the district, and the youth court, are threatened with closure.

Coincidentally, the committee is beginning a discussion series this Sunday, January 15, 2012, to examine the issue of public school financing and equity. The public is cordially invited to attend and participate in the discussion. The series will be held on four consecutive Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. at Wayne Presbyterian Church.

On January 15, 2012, Beth Olanoff, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania League of Urban Schools, will talk on the topic of “What’s Really Wrong with American Education?”.

On January 22, 2012, the Reverend Richard Ollinger, President and CEO of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Philadelphia, will lead a discussion on the role of private religious schools.

On January 29, 2012, Martha Bettis Gee, the Associate for Child Advocacy and Networking in the Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church USA, will discuss equity and quality in public education.

Finally, on February 5, 2012, John McKelligot, Chair of Good Schools Pennsylvania and former President of the Board of School Directors of the William Penn School District, will talk about the challenges facing local school districts with limited financial resources.