The TRUTH about pay and enrollment
We believe the pay scale accurately reflects our geographic region and we have done a responsible job maintaining staff with enrollment.
PENNCREST School District salaries are 8% lower than the state average. The PENNCREST School District median salary in 2024 was 3% lower than the state median according to opengovpay.com.
What they want
They’re pushing a plan to cut teachers, reading aides, and administrators—despite a balanced budget, rising student needs, and overcrowded classrooms. High school furloughs would gut course offerings, and essential leadership roles are on the chopping block. It’s a reckless move with long-term consequences for our students.
Legal Cases
PENNCREST is still facing ongoing lawsuits due to the irresponsible actions of Luigi DeFrancesco and David Valesky. The figures below represent legal spending by the district in the year 2025.
It’s no secret that they recruited and advocated for Fred Bryant, Amber Wright, Kathi Despenes, and Matt Warren —candidates who will continue these costly and unnecessary legal battles if elected.
(Pa. Supreme Court)
(Pa. Supreme Court)
Solicitor Resignation
Two unidentified board members referred to his legal analysis as “worthless” and “a joke."
Meadville Tribune, January 2023
Endorsing Those Facing Charges ... and More Bad Press
Fred Bryant, Amber Wright and Kathi Despenes have endorsed Matt Warren who has been charged with two criminal counts — solicitation of prostitution & patronizing prostitution — at an Erie County "fitness and spa."
View Criminal Docket
Hiring Underqualified Friends
It’s not easy to forget when Mr. Bryant promised a superintendent job to his friend, without a proper posting or candidate search. The man was so confident in the promise, he resigned from his previous position before the last-minute meeting was even held. We’re proud of the work Superintendent Mr. Ford has done — and it’s unsettling to think how different things could’ve been.
Classroom Sizes
Across every building, our elementary classrooms are nearing a breaking point. If their proposed cuts are implemented, class sizes will exceed 30 and severely undermine effective instruction.
