Public Hearing on Education Funding Cuts Set Friday in Green Tree

The House Democratic Policy Committee will conduct a public hearing on state budget education cuts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday in the Green Tree Municipal Center’s Council Chambers, 10 W. Manilla Ave. 

State Reps. Matt Smith, Chelsa Wagner and Dan Deasy, all D-Allegheny, requested the hearing and will serve as its co-chairpersons. The hearing will consider the impact budget cuts are having on communities in western Pennsylvania as the policy committee evaluates what needs will be required for next year’s state budget.

The hearing agenda:

• 10 a.m.—Welcome and opening remarks
• 10:10 a.m.—Panel 1: Carey Harris, executive director, A+ Schools; William Hileman, executive board member-at-large and staff representative, Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers.
• 10:40 a.m. – Panel 2: Martha Isler, public policy director, Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children; Jui Joshi, director of Philanthropic Engagement, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
• 11:10 a.m.—Panel 3: Timothy Steinhauer, superintendent, Mt. Lebanon School District; Nancy Aloi Rose, acting superintendent, Bethel Park School District; Reggie Bonfield, superintendent, Northgate School District.
• 11:50 a.m.—Panel 4: April Weitzel, parent, Carlynton School District; Brigitte Jackson, parent, Northgate School District.
• 12:20 p.m.—Panel 5:  James Brophy, director of operations, Outreach Teen and Family Services Inc.; Jennifer Beagan, senior program director, Allegheny Intermediate Unit; Patrick Sable, chief financial officer, Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
• 12:50 p.m.—Closing remarks.