Play calls out public school funding crisis – CentralPA.com – Ocotber 9, 2015

Public schools are just one of the many areas in Pennsylvania suffering from the budget impasse.

In an effort to generate attention to the lack of funding, a Philadelphia-based group called Public Citizens for Children and Youth are “acting out” the funding crisis in a play entitled, “School Play.”

Five professional actors act out scenarios co-creator Seth Bauer are based on stories from hundreds of people he’s interviewed throughout the state.

“The purpose is to help shine a light on the human story behind these budget cuts,” Bauer said.

One of the scenarios the audience got to see is the unequal amount of money allotted for public school districts.

“This system perpetuates a rift and a growing rift between the rich and the poor and it’s not acceptable,” he said. “We’re not creating an equal playing field.”

Susan Spicka, Advocacy Coordinator for Education Voters in Central Pennsylvania was one of the attendees. She said the play shows that the funding issues affects regions of the state differently.

“Central Pennsylvania is home to some of the most under-funded school systems in this state,” Spicka said.

The next performance of “School Play” is in Johnstown October 10.


CentralPA.com – October 9, 2015 – Read article online