On August 21, the Rod of Iron Ministries, an offshoot of Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church, held an “education rally” at the Pike County Courthouse. It was co-sponsored by PACE.

PACE is dedicated to defunding public schools and attacking so-called “critical race theory” and policies to create a safe environment for LGBT students.

Promotional flyers for the rally advertised that the Republican nominee for the 8th Congressional District, Jim Bognet, and the Republican nominee for the PA House of Representatives 139th District, Joe Adams, would be featured.

The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the largest teachers’ organization in the state, has published an analysis of the Republican plan on education. Its analysis indicates that the Wallenpaupack School District would lose 56 percent of its funding, likely have to fire approximately 347 teachers, and increase the student-to-teacher ratio by 289 percent under the plan. Delaware Valley School District would lose 44 percent of its funding, likely have to fire approximately 334 teachers, and increase its student-to-teacher ratio by 159 percent.

[Wayne Highlands would lose 48 percent of its funding, 238 teachers and increase the ratio by 195 percent. For Western Wayne, the numbers would be 53 percent, 220 staff and a 308-percent increase.]

[Find the numbers and the methodology used at www.psea.org/issues-action/action-center/voter-toolkit/mastriano-cuts-explained/.]

Congressional candidate Bognet was a no-show at the rally, but Joe Adams, the nominee for the 139th state house district, did speak, repeatedly referencing his background as a school administrator as a qualification for the job. Adams, however, did not reference the plan proposed by his party and the leader of his ticket.

Meg Rosenfeld is the Democratic nominee for the139th district, and is recommended by the PSEA over Joe Adams—who also sought PSEA  support but was rejected. She said, “If Doug Mastriano is elected governor and Joe Adams and other Republicans control the legislature, more than 100,000 teachers statewide may lose their jobs, but the worst damage will be to the children of Pennsylvania.

“I believe in public education, I believe in teachers, and I abhor the politicization of our public schools. Joe Adams touts his background as a school administrator, but won’t speak about his party’s plan to defund public education in Pennsylvania. Instead, he has chosen to align himself with groups that seek to destroy public education, and put our tax dollars into private schools with unqualified teachers who disseminate propaganda. The dismantling of public education will have devastating effects on our rural community, where families rely on our excellent public schools to give their children the best start in life.”

John Hellman is the campaign manager for Meg Rosenfeld for PA, based in Milford, PA.