Statement from PSEA President James Testerman on the death of State Senator James Rhoades

Pennsylvania lost a true statesman and champion of public education on October 17. PSEA members are shocked and saddened to learn of Senator James Rhoades’ sudden passing. On behalf of all 187,000 PSEA members, our thoughts go out to his family, especially his wife.

As the long-time chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Rhoades always kept the best interests not only of his constituents, but all of Pennsylvania’s children at heart.

Never one to back down from what he thought was right, Senator Rhoades consistently stood up for the issues that mattered most to educators, students and Pennsylvanians. He leaves a legacy of strong public schools that will last for decades.