State Rep. Aaron Bernstine has recently introduced a bill that mandates all staff in a given school district to reside within the district in which they work.
From Big League Politics:
Bernstine went public about his support for this legislation. He was quoted as saying:
Many teachers refuse to live in the poor performing school districts where they work. They do this while their union membership dues are used to keep students trapped in these horrendous schools that they say will be “fixed” with increased funding. PSEA members earn more than three times that of an average Pennsylvanian per work day. Ensuring that PSEA members live in the school district that they teach will increase the tax base and ultimately achieve their goal of increased funding.
Nick Kerin, the State Director of the Pennsylvania State Freedom Caucus commented on the instruction of this amendment:
I think it’s a brilliant idea. I am consistently impressed and excited by the legislative initiatives of our PA Freedom Caucus members. When looking at monumental policy implementations such as expanding educational opportunities for PA’s students, you have to start by changing a broken-down conversation. This amendment does that.
Cliff Maloney, who works with Citizens Alliance of PA (CAP), also commented on the amendment: “Aaron Bernstine just did more to enhance education in Pennsylvania than all of the Democrats combined. His effort exposes the double standard that traps kids in failing schools. As a 2009 graduate of Pennsylvania government schools… I want to thank him for continuing to push for educational freedom that benefits students, not union bosses.”
Personally, I believe this is a great idea.
It keeps teachers accountable and should certainly motivate them to actively work towards making a difference in the classroom, as it directly affects the community in which they live.
