Believe it or not, James P. Testerman, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, is urging teachers to "seriously consider" Gov. Tom Corbett's request for a one-year pay freeze. Now, taxpayers must pressure school boards and PSEA's local unions to make good on his surprising but welcome entreaty.

Mr. Testerman hopes the governor's proposed $1 billion-plus cut in school funding can be avoided. He says freezing teacher pay "alone will not be enough." But he nevertheless is encouraging PSEA local presidents to discuss with school boards "a pay freeze or other cost-saving measures to maintain class sizes and academic programs."

Having seen "$4 billion deficit" written on Pennsylvania's budget wall, some boards already are budgeting to live within reduced means. Testerman's call should help them do that -- and without raising taxes, as Gov. Corbett has urged.

Districts that don't take advantage of greater PSEA flexibility will only bolster Corbett's case against state exemptions that let school boards avoid voter referendums on tax hikes exceeding inflation, which state law otherwise requires.

Talk is cheap. The true test of PSEA's newfound cooperative spirit will be whether its members actually share taxpayers' pain.

Read more: The PSEA's entreaty - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtri...

The PSEA doesn't want to rock the boat at this time. Another Union Thug. Socialist Party Member.They are for themselves Ask Where all the Money from Union Dues Goes? Ask about their Salary, Perks and supporting a national Failing education program Why has the US fallen behind to other countries? Why can't you fire a teacher? Oh you can But the Tax Payer will cost 100's of thousands of dollars just to Try to fight the National PSEA Union Funding..With competition form Charter Schools that They claim Steals money from YOU is really about the Comparison or Their Teachers and Student Scores and The Charter Schools no BS system that doesn't tolerate or support Unions, poor teachers or a 50year old education a failed structure that has never been replaced or challenged under Union dictatorship

I got a better Education from 1-12 grade than Is provided today 50 years later! Why You the People had the power to control your school district NO UNIONS They will tell you How great teacher are now Yes more pay, time off , benefits, no accountability and High Paid Union Officers All on your Backs Put your Kids in Private School No money Home School and see What happens with just a few more families leaving and more families Saying they Are leaving! Who is left People with little or No money ....See how their Great system works than? It's already happening across the country in the Rural area's and the cities are left with the people on welfare and don't pay anything anyway So what do they DO bring in Acorn and Fight the Charter Schools Trying to help...The White devils There term see Blacks can't be racist Right!