On today’s episode of The Confluence:
Parties present their closing arguments in a case that will determine the quality of education owed to Pennsylvania students
(0:00 - 6:34)
It’s now up to a Commonwealth Court judge whether Pennsylvania will have to drastically change how it funds public school districts. Closing oral arguments were presented this week in a suit brought by six school districts, six parents and two interest groups in 2014.
The petitioners argue that the funding formula for Pennsylvania schools violates the state constitution’s requirement that the state provide an equitable, and “thorough and efficient” public education. Despite recent reforms, much of the funding schools receive goes through a formula that the petitioners argue has led to inequities between wealthy and poorer districts.
“[Plaintiffs] are saying that it doesn't just have to be like, you show up and the school exists and there's a teacher there. They're saying it needs to be an education that can prepare you for life to be a citizen in a modern society,” says WHYY reporter Katie Meyer. “That means that you have to prove college readiness. You have to prove that the kids are learning something.”
The defendants in the case argue that the current funding that schools receive is in line with the constitution, and that recent funding increases have already taken disadvantaged schools into account.
The Commonwealth Court is expected to make a ruling in the coming months, and the case is likely to be appealed to the State Supreme Court, regardless of the outcome.
Fern Hollow bridge is being reconstructed at an expedited timeline
(6:41 - 14:28)
On Monday, a truck carrying 150-foot-long, concrete I-beams made its way through the city, toward Squirrel Hill.
These beams are the first pieces in building a new span to replace the Fern Hollow Bridge, which collapsed in late January. Typically, the process to build a new bridge can take up to three years, but following the collapse, state entities took a different approach.
“In this case, when they declared an emergency, [Pennsylvania Department of Transportation] hired the contractor and the designer at the same time, and they're working together to move along,” says Ed Blazina, who covers transportation for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“Government cut the red tape so that they get their environmental approvals right away without any difficulty, and essentially they were able to start ordering the pieces they'd need within a couple of weeks of the bridge collapse.”
In a press conference Monday, district executive for PennDOT Cheryl Moon-Sirianni said the structure could open by the end of the year.
The JASON Project educates people on the basics of the judicial system before they go to court
(14:33 - 22:30)
Navigating the court system isn’t just about getting a lawyer and showing up in the courtroom: one has to figure out where to go, how to work with a public defender, and even what to wear. A local nonprofit, the JASON Project, has been helping Pittsburgh residents navigate the court system, and will soon be expanding its services to more clients.
“I just want to provide that sense of comfort and understanding for our clients, so that fear is lost when they walk into a courtroom and they feel comfortable and confident with whatever decision they want to make, whether they're guilty or not,” says JASON Project Founder Mark Thompson.
The idea from the non-profit came from Thompson’s work as a paralegal in the indigent divorce program. He found himself explaining legal paperwork to those going before a judge, which eventually translated to him helping veterans navigate the legal process in Butler.
So far, the JASON Project has assisted 15 clients in Allegheny County. A recent partnership with Point Park University has allowed the project to expand its operations to assist more clients.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
