Aaron Chapin, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Teachers Association, holds a news conference Monday, Sept. 12, at Graham Park in Cranberry Township to alert citizens of what he claims are dangerous education cuts suggested by Republican guberatorial candidate Doug Mastriano during a radio show in March. Joining Chapin were, from left, teachers Tim Cammisa, Julie Parenti and Natalie Ranalli, and school board director Jeff Widdowson, all of the Seneca Valley School District. Teachers from other districts in the county also attended the event to support Chapin's message. Paula Grubbs/Butler Eagle

CRANBERRY TWP — A group of educators gathered in Graham Park on Monday afternoon to claim that a vote for state Sen. Doug Mastriano for governor is a vote against public education.

Aaron Chapin, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, traveled to Butler County to lead a news conference in which he shared his horror at the comments made by Mastriano in March on a radio show.

During the show, Mastriano said instead of spending $19,000 per student in public schools as is the case currently, education funding should be cut to $9,000 or $10,000 per student, Chapin said.

“Can you imagine half the teachers, half the staff and half the opportunities for our students?” Chapin said.

He said the PSEA called on Mastriano to provide details on his plan, but they were met with silence.

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