The POWER Interfaith organization will sponsor town hall presentations focusing on fair school funding and fair housing, and their impact on local taxes. According to a press release from the group, the state’s underfunding of schools leaves students in under-resourced districts without the tools they need to thrive. “The PA General Assembly is under court order to fix this, yet in Chester County, four school districts still experience inadequate PA funding,” the release says. “This inadequate funding forces up local property taxes to fill the gap. This town hall will bring together constituents and elected officials to discuss bold solutions for ensuring every child — regardless of zip code — has access to a high-quality education.” The first town hall will be held in Upper Uwchlan Township on Thursday, April 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County, 385 Pottstown Pike, Chester Springs. Another town hall will be on Tuesday, April 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the TriCounty Active Adult Center, 288 Moser Road in Pottstown Borough. State Rep. Paul Friel (D-26), who sits on both the Education and Appropriations committees, will attend and speak at both meetings. State Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-146), who is chairman of the Communications and Technology Committee and who has sponsored a bill to reform payments to cyber charter schools, will attend the Pottstown town hall. Another town hall is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at Or Hadash in Fort Washington.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 4/16/2025