The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) presented Representative Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) with a Champion of Public Education award during an advocacy day that drew more than 150 school leaders to the Capitol.
The PSBA Champion of Public Education award recognizes lawmakers for their outstanding support of traditional public schools during a two-year legislative session. This support is measured by the legislator’s voting record, bills introduced, attendance and involvement at their local districts, and efforts to work with PSBA to support public schools.
“As a former school board director from Spring-Ford Area School District, Representative Ciresi is extremely knowledgeable about the work of school directors and has been an exceptional advocate for public education at the state level,” said PSBA CEO Nathan Mains. “Representative Ciresi always puts the students of Pennsylvania first in his legislative efforts and is a true champion of education,” he continued.
Drawing on his experience as a school board director, and consistent contact with local school leaders in his area, Rep. Ciresi has firsthand knowledge of the challenges that school districts face and the successes happening every day in classrooms across the state. PSBA applauds Rep. Ciresi’s efforts to stay connected to his constituents in order to represent the needs of public schools more effectively in the legislature.
Other notable work on behalf of public education includes Rep. Ciresi’s introduction of House Bill 272, which would provide much needed comprehensive reforms to the commonwealth’s 25-year-old Charter School Law. This bill would increase accountability and transparency for charter school operators; ensure that only high-quality charter schools are authorized and renewed; and reduce the overpayments to charter schools, which result in higher property taxes for Pennsylvania residents.
PSBA thanks Rep. Ciresi for his partnership in promoting excellent public education in Pennsylvania and his commitment to serving the commonwealth’s students.
