Susan Banks, Deupty Secretary and State Librarian
Dear Colleagues –
Below, we share a message from Interim Acting Secretary of Education, Angela Fitterer that provides the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s view of current events concerning the disposition of federal funds and the federal agencies with which we work.
As for OCL, we will continue to focus on the work we do to serve the libraries and people of Pennsylvania. We urge you to do the same. Let’s keep doing what we know is right, adjust as needed to stay safe, and only act in response to concrete and credible threats.
We in OCL stand in solidarity with all of you who are out in our Commonwealth helping all Pennsylvanians feel welcome in our libraries.
Thank you,
Susan Banks, MLIS | Deputy Secretary & State Librarian
Office of Commonwealth Libraries | Pennsylvania Department of Education
607 South Drive | Harrisburg PA 17120
Message from PDE:
Dear Partner in Education,
I am reaching out today to assure you that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is closely monitoring the orders and guidance being issued by the incoming federal administration. The Department is continually reviewing the guidance being issued and rescinded in real time and, to the extent possible, is consulting with colleagues at the federal and state levels to determine the potential impact on Pennsylvania schools.
As ever, we will continue our work to ensure our schools and educators can continue to provide a world-class education to learners, and our libraries remain strong community centers.
We will pass along accurate, relevant information as it becomes available, and as our federal partners provide clarity regarding the intended scope of these recent pronouncements. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us at PDE if there is assistance that we can provide.
Thank you for all that you do for Pennsylvania.
Angela Fitterer | Interim Acting Secretary
PA Department of Education
This communication is issued on the Deputy Secretary’s behalf by Carrie Cleary, Executive Assistant (ccleary@pa.gov; 717-783-5725).