Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 3-23-2026

Inside this issue

• PA House Committee advances school health and counseling bills
• Chartiers Valley ESP rallies against subcontracting
• PSEA podcast: State Sen. Santarsiero makes the case for banning cellphones in schools
• Sign up to become an Education Defender today!
• Member Benefits spotlight: Voluntary Vision plan

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Education Committee advanced two bills that would modernize health and counseling services in public schools.

Better nurse-to-student ratios: House Bill 2285 would cut the required nurse-to-student ratio in half, from 1:1,500 to 1:750, and ensure a school nurse in every building. With more than 40 percent of school-aged children managing at least one chronic health condition, today’s school nurses are handling far more complex needs than ever before.

Stronger counseling programs: House Bill 2218 would require school districts to publish a written K-12 counseling plan and ensure that counselors spend the majority of their time actually working with students, not on administrative tasks like test coordination.

“Right now, too many of our school nurses and counselors are being asked to do more with less,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “Caseloads are growing, student needs are more complex than ever, and staffing levels simply haven’t kept up. These bills are a step toward changing that, so that our nurses and counselors can focus on giving students the time, attention, and care they deserve.”

Community members, parents, and PSEA members from across the Western Region gathered in solidarity to support our Chartiers Valley Education Support Professionals members on Tuesday. CVESP members are under threat of subcontracting, as the district considers outsourcing grounds and maintenance work, as well as transportation work, to First Student, a company with known safety and understaffing problems.

A thorough analysis of the proposals shows that it will cost the district more to subcontract than it would cost for services to remain in-house. CVESP has been bargaining since January 2024 and is currently in fact finding.

PSEA President Aaron Chapin joined CVESP members who attended the school board meeting in solidarity.

“Anytime I hear a school district is looking to outsource its employees, I’ve got to show up,” said Chapin. “It’s just unconscionable that they want to take the heart and soul out of the community in this district.”

Aaron and Jeff sit down with State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and PSEA Legislative Committee Chair Mike Cherinka to dig into Senate Bill 1014, a bill that would prohibit student use and restrict possession of internet-connected devices in schools – from the first bell to dismissal. They talk about what the bill would actually require, how PSEA's position evolved over 18 months of member-driven discussions, and why a bill that passed the Senate 46-1 might just be the rare thing everyone can agree on.

Listen to this episode

What turns a member into an Education Defender?

For Erin Huwalt, it started with a commitment to stand up for her colleagues, and a belief that our voices are strongest when we use them together.

In this short video, Erin shares what inspired her to step up, how she connects with fellow members, and why those everyday conversations matter more than ever for our schools.

Click the link below to learn more about the Education Defenders program and how you can sign up.

The PSEA Voluntary Vision Plan offers low monthly payments, great frame and contact lenses allowances, exam coverage, fitting fee coverage for contact lenses, and the choice of 12-month or 24-month coverage. The plan is available to all PSEA members and eligible dependents to age 26. Enrollment opens the first of each month.

The 12-month plan highlights include a $300 frame allowance or $200 contact lenses allowance with monthly premiums of only $12 for single coverage, $24 for two-party, and $35 for family coverage.

The 24-month plan highlights include a $300 frame allowance or $175 contact lenses allowance with monthly premiums of only $8 for single coverage, $16 for two-party, and $23 for family coverage.

For more information on the vision program please visit https://pseahwf.org/voluntary_vision/ or call the PSEA Health & Welfare Fund at 800-944-7732 ext. 7024.