Manderino to Head New School Funding Campaign
HARRISBURG (Aug. 18) – A former state lawmaker with a reputation for consensus-building will manage a newly formed, non-partisan campaign to address one of Pennsylvania’s most important and challenging issues: the funding of its public schools.
Kathy Manderino has been named campaign manager for a new school funding campaign that includes more than 40 organizations representing educators, business, labor, faith-based organizations and civic and child advocacy groups who want to see the commonwealth find a long-term solution to adequately and equitably fund public schools.
“School funding is, without question, one of the toughest issues facing Pennsylvania, but it’s also arguably the most important,” Manderino said. “So many facets of our commonwealth – jobs, culture, community, quality of life – are dependent upon and shaped by the education we provide for our children. How we fund that education really does dictate the future of Pennsylvania, and I’m excited to help advance such a critical discussion.”
While the campaign plans to formally launch this fall, the coalition behind the effort already has begun examining the issues that impact school funding and formed a governing body chaired by Joan Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a statewide children’s advocacy organization.
“While there has been plenty of discussion over the years about how Pennsylvania funds its public schools, there hasn’t been enough consensus among the many groups that have a vested interest in our kids and schools,” Benso said. “This campaign will be unprecedented in the various voices it listens to and represents and it’s vital that we have a dynamic, strategic thinker managing the effort. That’s why we brought Kathy on board.”
David W. Patti, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Business Council and a member of the coalition’s executive committee, said Manderino’s background makes her well-suited to help find common ground on a complex issue.
“We needed someone who understands the commonwealth’s diversity, Pennsylvania politics and the legislative culture,” Patti said. “Kathy Manderino couldn’t be more ideal: 18 really stellar years in the General Assembly garnering respect that lasts to this day from both sides of the aisle; and a life spent in Monessen and Philadelphia – vastly different, but incredibly important economies and cultures.”
A Westmoreland County native, Manderino earned a bachelor’s degree in public service from Penn State University and a law degree from Temple University. Following her tenure as a state lawmaker, she served as senior vice president for Intercommunity Action, Inc., a community-based organization providing services and housing to people with intellectual disabilities and behavioral health needs, and to older adults.
In the weeks ahead, the campaign will announce its formal name and launch a website and related media tools to engage and inform Pennsylvanians on this important issue.
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EDITORS NOTE: A full list of organizations that have signed on to the campaign is attached.
CONTACT:
Brett Scheaffer, Education Law Center, bschaeffer@elc-pa.org or 215-238-6970 ext. 334
Michael Race, PA Partnerships for Children, mrace@papartnerships.org or 717-236-5680 ext. 208
Heather Hopson, Allies for Children, heather.hopson@alliesforchildren.org or 412.586.0880 ext. 3
Organizations in newly formed school funding campaign (listed alphabetically)
A+ Schools
Action United
AFL-CIO of PA
Allies for Children
American Federation of Teachers-PA (AFT-PA)
Building One PA
Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA)
Cross-City
Education Law Center
Education Matters in the Cumberland Valley
Education Policy and Leadership Center
Education Voters-PA
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Keystone State Education Coalition
Lutheran Advocacy Ministries
NAACP of PA
PA Ass’n of Elementary & Secondary School Principals (PAESSP)
PA Ass’n of School Business Officials (PASBO)
PA Ass’n of School Administrators (PASA)
PA Ass’n of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS)
PA Ass’n of Intermediate Units (PAIU)
PA Budget and Policy Center
PA Business Council
PA Chamber of Business and Industry
PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools
PA Council of Churches
PA Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC)
PA Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN)
PA League of Urban Schools (PLUS)
PA Municipal League
PA Partnerships for Children
PA PTA
PA School Boards Ass’n (PSBA)
PA State Education Association (PSEA)
PennCan
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT)
PA School Librarians Association
Philadelphia AFL-CIO
Philadelphia School Partnership
POWER (Philadelphians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild)
Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY)
Public Interest Law Center of Phila. (PILCOP)
Research for Action
Urban League of Philadelphia
