Ed Schultz talks with Sara Ferguson, the Pennsylvania school teacher who volunteered to work without pay when her school district ran out of money. Ferguson was a guest of First Lady Michelle Obama during the State of the Union (Jan 25, 2012).
One of Ed's favorite teachers, Sara Ferguson, is getting more national recognition and we're very excited for her.
A teacher at Columbus Elementary School, Ferguson was among 204 teachers and 64 support staffers that vowed to work for delayed pay when Chester Upland School District outside Philadelphia faced bankruptcy earlier in January.
An entire school district in Southeastern Pennsylvania is flat broke and Gov. Tom Corbett (R-PA) says the state will not give the district the emergency funds it needs. Union leader Linda Cook and teacher Sara Ferguson tell Ed Schultz what needs to be done to save the schools (Jan. 16, 2012).
She will be on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” today (“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” airs weekdays at 4 p.m. on WNBC-TV in New York; check local listings for time and channel in your area).
If you miss the show, click here to watch a clip of Ferguson's appearance.
Ferguson was on The Ed Show January 16, January 17 and January 25, 2012, after she was a guest of First lady Michelle Obama (who will also be on today's "Ellen" show) during the State of the Union address.
Pennsylvania public schools win a round against Republican Governor Tom Corbett's effort to kill off an entire school district, but the fight is far from over. Sara Ferguson, an elementary school math and literacy teacher, and George Walker, a middle school special education teacher, join Ed to talk about their fight to save Chester Upland public schools (Jan. 17, 2012).
Who said there are no heroes out there? Congratulations Sara from The Ed Show!
Leave a Comment:
this is so great.
way to go Sara-
thanks, Ed.
So Chester Upland ISD needs stimulus money! Let the district go bankrupt, and start another, more efficient district! Stop wasting tax dollars on unproductive enterprises!
Like matching funds for the Republican candidate?
Right on Capt. Screw the students and the children who cares whether they get an education or not
public school is a business or an enterprise and you claimed you were a teacher...hmmm....seems like if you had your eyes open you'd know that.........
Quick question how would starting another district be more effecient or save money? More importantly why are you more concerned about money than the students and their education? Where the kids go to go until they start this newer sexier more effecient district?
@Captail America "YOU" are a Dysfunctional Illiterate: I assume that at some point in your "trifling" life, possibly obtained an education which, (in your case) wasted precious tax payer's dollars on someone like "YOU" who thinks that a "Mind" ISN'T a terrible thing to waste. Also, it is apparent that education didn't do you a bit of good nor were you blessed with "ANY" common sense. You and that unprofessional idiot Repulican Governor Tom Corbett, are not only lacking moral character but are the perfect examples of what is WRONG with America today. Do us ALL of favor and get a Baby-pacifier (put it into your senseless mouth so it's very secured so to keep your mouth shut), as well as, don’t forget to find a fool’s dunce hat and go find the nearest child's playpen, climb into it, and stay there for the next decade. You should be ashamed of yourself to even part your lips to say something so rediculous!!!!
Chris,I am for getting the money out of politics!
CC, as a retired public school teacher, I know districts come and go, consolidate and dissolve. No kids get "left behind" (sorry, just had a punny thought), the schooling responsibility just changes to another jurisdiction. You do know there are fewer school districts now than in the 1940s. It's called consolidation. The kids will always have a school, the districts will just reorganize.
DL, someone is "a Dysfunctional Illiterate". My Federal (military) and State (teacher) pensions speak to the fact that I have attained some level of education and experience. I never said "that a "Mind" ISN'T a terrible thing to waste"; "it is apparent that (your) education didn't do you a bit of good nor were you blessed with "ANY" common sense."
"You ... are not only lacking moral character but are the perfect examples of what is WRONG with America today." Please -
DL, please consider how rude your comments seem to be and remember that personal insults are forbidden on this blog. I care about the students in this country, and want what is best for them. Locking them in a failing school district that cannot pay its bills does not sound compassionate to me. What do you think?
Captain A**, again on the "Moral Character" yes, you fall short on all levels and that is just the plain TRUTH not an insult especially when it applies to senseless statements. A "Repub" such as yourself cannot be taught anything but the language of "Hate","Ignorance" and "Greed"... What you've stated in your own words; "Let the district go bankrupt, and start another, more efficient district! Stop wasting tax dollars on unproductive enterprises" your comments apparently and clearly reveal that YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE PRECIOUS CHILDREN...espcially those who are poor and of a color hue darker than yours. News Flash! Children and Fabulous Teachers are not "unproductive enterprises" nor should they ever be. However, your comments were the one's that were insulting and wrong. I call your type of comments and references "Platation Politices"... the Master on the "Platation" has been drinking too much corn liquor and its went to your head, for YOU CAN'T realize what you just said??? Now, that is a SAD state of affairs. Also, for the record my comments were not RUDE; for I call it like I see it! If you can stand the fire, than I suggest you take such unfounded GOP comments to another venue that can shallow the irony and bad taste of it ALL! With regards to your schooling and/or jobs you've held (I still can't imagine you being educated...for a wise/educated man would have NEVER made that comment). GOP/Repubs are simply repulsive, lack any humility, HAVE NO MORAL CHARACTER and more importantly have NO COMMON SENSE!!!! Now take that and put it the bank... Oh, talk about "FAILING SHOOL SYSTEMS/DRISTRICTS"...GO find your good old boy 'BUSH" who wasted more money on "Wars" and in turn, gave the American people (with a smile) the Bill to pay for his incompetence while he was in office for 8 years???? Instead of investing in our children and teachers, "Repuls" threw the money away into War and the rest went into their pockets. Oh by the way, have you ever heard of the term; "Freedom of Speech", last I heard, I believe because I am an American born and rasied in the US; I have a right to state my comments, just ask the ACLU? Also, I have a right to speak, I can drink from the same fountain as you, and guess what? I don't even have to ride on the back of the bus anymore...oh, better yet, I can even ask for compensation for my work efforts and not have to be beat and/or hang from trees if I refuse to buy into your method of madness. Lastly, Captain A**, your GPA would not have allowed you to even be consider at the college I attended... Nor could you have pass the "BAR" either. Nope, my comments were right on the money and being compassionate (which you no nothing about) is making sure no child is left behind and has access to a fabulous education by improving the schools they're already attending to the standards of shools in affulent areas, giving them current, updated books and materials, as wel as, programs that will allow them to compete on a national level (scoring high on SAT"s therefore, getting into awesome colleges) and give their teachers an increase in pay that they so deserve.
DL: one of us seem to have a lot of:
Someone needs to look at her own racism and consider:
You certainly do:
But the rules on this blog restrict the right to all the personal attacks.
I haven't tried to take the "BAR" (law?), have you ever landed on an aircraft carrier? We have different life experiences, but I find you comments both arrogant and condescending.
What don't you understand about you RUDE comments on my morals, character, or intelligence? How do you know my GPA, university grades, or my flight and job performance evaluations?
I choose to believe you care, as do I, about all students and their right to a good education. Read my vine, you might better understand my perspective. So if you care, answer my question (2.4):
Just wondering if you agree with me, or not?
CA is a troll don't response.
have you ever landed on an aircraft carrier?
so capt what did you fly?
Capt, ALL the money wasted and time by the "Repubs" shows exactly what
types of enterprises you and your "GOP" pals hearts are interested
in (look at your record, it speaks for itself)...and for the GOP??? IT WAS NEVER
ABOUT THE CHILDREN and SCHOOL DISTRICTS well-being. The proof is in the
pudding". Capt, you (others like you) and the GOP failed the school districts by standing in the shadows and doing absolutely nothing to improve their existing challenges and conditions.
Why?
Because you couldn't find a way to make MONEY off the children, teachers and
school districts; so to line your greedy pockets. Capt, it's about INVESTING
resources that can HELP the CHILDREN and TEACHERS, not punish and ridicule them. Again, Children and Teachers are not "Enterprises" but should be a NUMBER ONE PRIORITY in this country!!!"Locking" a school district is exactly what the "Repubs" did, when you folks decided to NOT FUND programs or direct money/resources towards updating and supplying the tools/money that is desperately needed SO THAT NOT ONE CHILD GETS LEFT BEHIND.
A Wise Suggestion:Try "UNLOCKING" your hearts, attitude, greed. selfish agendas and mindset; so the children of AMERICA can have a sound, fabulous and meaningful EDUCATION that will lead them to having a viable piece of the American Dream they so deserve (which the "Repubs" stole from them). In answer to your QUESTION...NOOOOOOOOOO, I DON'T AGREE WITH YOU or THE GOP, AND YOUR THOUGHTLESS SELFISH AGENDAS that continuely leave our children standing WITHOU a sound foundation to build upon that will ensure their
success for the future!!!! Unlock your mind!!!!
Pilot, of course I have landed in an aircraft carrier. Back then Marine pilots went through Naval Jet School at Chase Field in Beeville. TX (it has since closed and turned into a federal prison). The navy brought out the Lexington from Pensacola once a month or so for students to learn to land on. Gosh, I think the Lex was retired in '92, can I really be that old. Oh, I flew the T-2 and later the A-4. The most fun was flying the AH-1 "Cobra", but I digress.
DL: I believe you have the kids' best interest in mind, but you logic is wrong. You don't help kids by keeping them locked in failing schools that can't even meet their budgets!
Maybe I should respond in kind, accusing you of:
So DL,
Show a little compassion for those stuck in dead end schools. Why should only rich kids get to pick the schools they want to attend? "
Your type of comments and references" are "the language of "Hate", "Ignorance" and "Greed", and have no place here! Please consider stopping the personal attacks, and be a little considerate to those of us who have to read your vulgar and racist comments!
Why don't Sara and his district ask George Soros or Warren Buffett to donate and come to the rescue?
Wouldn't that be a great thing for them to do? Just ask Ed?
your dipping again!
Yes it would be nice if some rich benefactor came forward to solve their financial problems someone like Mitt Romney, the Koch brothers, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdock, Donald Trump...although Trump isn't even that rich, Buffet, Sheldon Adelson
......but no of them actually will end up doing that and since this is a public school district they shouldn't have to rely on random luck to exist. If the people in that state can find money to put into non vital services they can afford to pay for their children's education. It about values, as slice education republican operatives don't have any that the nation should embrace.
Warren Buffet has his own money he gets to decide what to do with it or not but this woman does work for Warren so why should she ask him as opposed to the person she works for to pay her for the work she does?
Cynical Citizen,
I AGREE!
but, this is what the repubs want-they want OTHERS to step up in acts of CHARITY, and cut gov't wherever they can, so they can give tax cuts to the rich.
also, Cynical, in response to your post 2.2-how far would these poor children have to be bussed, or travel to get to another school district?
gov't needs to step up its responsibility in education to ALL children, especially the ones who are in failing school districts, because we know where these schools are located. they are districts where minorities are schooled, thus assuring that they are "kept in their place".
the repubs don't care at all that Ellen Degeneres gave 100,000.00 to this school district. they like it, and hope that others in Hollywood will do the same. the repubs are big on charity, as long as they aren't the ones depending on it.
in the education of OUR children, America's children, we do want them educated, not ignorant.
Exactly. Buses don't run on good wishes and dreams so they would have to pay for the fuel to bus in these other students...that will cost money unless OPEC is feeling charitable
yeah we don't need any of the politics of "Let it die" in our education system
hmmm....you know come to think of it shouldn't the right demand the district give the money back to Degeneres since after all she's "a gay" so by accepting the money they are legitimizing homosexuality...what with the transitive property of politics.....and most of the students come from "traditional" families....
huh..interesting lack of outrage from the one million
morons...moms....one million momsbut on a serious note education is the key to this economy. You want to know why this economy isn't doing well just look at our public schools and then look at Chinese or European public schools...if you have a panic attack at how far behind our children are getting...
Some in the GOP would like to have us believe that this is because we aren't teaching creationism and prayer 101 but most of us know different it's time someone express that. I believe that if the Obama administration does nothing on public education reform in a second term then that term will be a failure.
It's time to get on it.
One thing I've always noticed about the Republican party. The basic thread running through everything they do and say is "@!$%# You."
We got ours!! We want yours!! fu(k You!!!
gop/tea motto
or we are AINO`s American In Name Only
No, no Chris you're mistaken their motto is "let it die...quietly" and then when you ask why it must "die" then it's "F you you're not american"
I got mine screw the rest of you. I worked my way up from welfare so cut all welfare programs that I benefitted from because I care about me only.
To expand on your correct assumption of the reichwingnuts Chris, might I add that for some reason every teabag supporter I run across always seems to be a prick, not just about politics but life in general. Wonder why that is....
The Repulbican plan is simple eliminate education from the middle class
If Ellen can appreciate the issue faced by the school and students, and volunteers to donate more than $100,000, can we check in an open forum how much the multi-multi million dollar Presidential aspirants and PAC donors are willing to openly commit to donate for the same cause?
That will show how much they earnestly care for the future of the country. Can they re-direct even a miniscule of what they are willing to dole out for the continuous barrage of negative ads?
Don't you think positive deed may attract much more grass root support towards their aspiration?
A+, Sarah Ferguson. Children look up to adults to be their super hero's, the one who will protect them and keep them from harms way. If there was ever a time to protect our children this is the time. We must protect our future, as parents we invest in our children to be smart, kind and productive citizens and if the republican agenda to destroy our future takes shape the consequences will be horrific.
Politicians are getting payed not to support the schools! They want to privatize the school system! When they`re people get the schools privatized, they will be profiting billions from the government vouchers! Get these idiots out of office! They`re trying to privatize prisons all over the country! If they get government vouchers why change the current system! Because they can bust the unions and profit more money! GREED!
Good idea Dick Vick! Just leave those that cannot afford private schools in the bankrupt public schools! Just protect those overpaid union government workers!
Have a little compassion for the students from poor families, instead of protecting your overpaid union teachers!
If any of you are seriously interested in this topic - be prepared to spend several hours of research. Even then you will find it hard to get helpful information.
Here are a few topics to research:
45% of students attend charter schools - apparently owned by big campaign donor of the governor. (Search for Gureghian) Questions have been raised over their rather high "management fees" and their lack of transparency.
45% of the budget goes to the charter schools - guess that makes sense if 45% of students are in the charter schools.
The charter schools receive several times as much for teaching a special needs student than the public schools receive. This has attracted attention.
It is a poor district - small tax base so it depends on the state for 70% of funds. Some richer districts only receive 15 - 20% state funding. If the state cuts education by a percentage across the board - poor districts are hit harder than well to do districts.
The district was under state controlled management or for-profit management (search for Edison Schools) from 1994 to 2010. End result - local administration started in 2011 with a 10 to 20 million debt.
It appears that teacher salaries for charter schools are about 8% less than public school teachers - but charter teachers tend to have fewer years of experience. Turnover rate could also be a factor - turnover is about twice as high for charter school teachers - you could spin all of this either way.
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I would like to be able to "follow the money" from 1994 to the present. I would look first at bloated administration - both numbers and salaries then at the "bricks and mortar expenses". Over paid union teachers? Perhaps - but unlikely.(Remember the goal of charter schools is to make a "profit". If they pay their teachers less and give them fewer benefits - that savings will go to the administrators and various "fees" paid to corporation or those closely connected to the corporation.)