On Monday, December 4 Jackie Huff was inducted as the 16th member of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s (PSBA) Allwein Society.
The Allwein Society is a recognition program honoring individuals who are outstanding leaders and advocates on behalf of public schools and students. This prestigious honor was created in 2011 in memory of Timothy M. Allwein, a former PSBA staff member who exemplified the integrity, dedication and commitment to advance political action for the benefit of public education.
While presenting the recognition, PSBA CEO Nathan Mains said, “In recognition of her passion, her dedication and her tireless work in public education, I am honored to be able to welcome you as the 16th member of our Allwein Society.”
Huff was nominated by Laura Johnson, a school director at the Pottstown School District and a 2021 Allwein Society inductee; Dr. Amy Bader, a school director at the State College Area School District; and Dr. Karen Beck Pooley, a school director at the Bethlehem Area School District and a 2022 Allwein Society inductee. These colleagues cited her ongoing efforts related to increased equitable funding for Pennsylvania public schools as the rationale for her nomination.
In her nomination letter, Johnson said, “Jackie is a clear voice in her community and around the state that all students in Pennsylvania deserve access to a high-quality public education, and she energetically leads the way, bringing others along in this journey of advocacy.”
Huff has worked with Pennsylvanians for Fair Funding (PFF) to organize a direct outreach campaign advocating for Level-Up and increased Basic Education Funding, which was part of a larger effort that saw a historic increase in funding and greater equity in funding for under-resourced districts. She also spearheaded PFF’s successful statewide T-shirt advocacy campaign, “PA Students Deserve Fair Funding” and has held local advocacy events.
In addition, Huff has worked with other local leaders to pass a school board resolution in support of the plaintiffs in the landmark Pennsylvania education funding trial; written op-eds advocating for public education; met regularly with lawmakers about education issues, including charter reform; and spoken in a variety of public settings in support of public education.
Jackie Huff began her board service in December 2021. She has served as board president of the State College Area School Board as well as the board’s representative on the Central Intermediate Unit 10 joint operating committee.
After receiving the recognition, Huff stated, “There is a lot of work to do, and I really appreciate all of the support I get from this board as well as the community.”
PSBA applauds Jackie Huff for her service and commitment to public education and public school students.
