Chester Upland school board files funding lawsuit

    Chester Upland School District spokesman Joel Avery said yesterday no one has missed a paycheck yet at the struggling school district. But teachers there have offered to work for free as they hold out hope the state will provide emergency funding.

    Only recently out of financial trouble, the district finds itself struggling again after severe state cuts. Now the school board and parents are suing.

    The Inquirer reports the federal suit against the state, the education department and legislators seeks funding to the tune of $20.7 million through the end of the school year. The money would come from state funds that have been diverted to charter schools and from education department reserve funds.

    Tonight, the district’s fight gets more emotional. Community groups are partnering with Action United to hold a candlelight vigil for the teachers who said they’ll work for free.

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    The crowd will gather at 5:30 p.m. at the Chester Upland School District building.

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