Why should I get involved with West Shore Unified (WSU)?

There are as many reasons for joining WSU as there are West Shore School District (WSSD) residents. Some have joined WSU with concerns about school board transparency and fiscal responsibility. Others share concerns about educational quality and policies that promote safe and welcoming school environments. Ultimately, we all want to ensure that our school board directors make decisions that are in the best interests our students and our community as a whole. As concerned citizens, we must unite and work together to hold our school directors accountable and to create the kind of community we want. Please join us in our efforts!
 

Do I need to be affiliated with a certain political party to get involved with WSU?

WSU is a non-partisan organization, and we welcome anyone who shares our commitment to public education regardless of their political affiliation.
 

How is WSU different from the Friends of WSSD?

The Friends of WSSD is a political action committee (PAC) which means that they are organized for the purpose of raising money to elect and defeat certain candidates for school board. WSU is not a PAC. We are a grassroots community organization, registered as a 501c4, for the purpose of educating the community, advocating for fair funding and policies, and holding school directors accountable to the best interests of students and the community as a whole.
 

What if I don’t have much time available. Can I still support the efforts of WSU?

Of course! There are many different opportunities to get involved to fit your schedule. Check out the many ways you can get involved here!
 

I don’t have children who attend West Shore schools. How does this pertain to me?

Even if you do not have children who attend a school in WSSD, but you live in our community, district decisions affect you.

Potential home buyers seek districts with well-equipped schools that offer a variety of resources, activities, and strong academics. As more home buyers are drawn to a community, the property value of those homes increases. In fact, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research, property values increase by around $20 for every $1 spent on school funding.

In addition, school boards around PA who chase culture war issues have taken actions that have cost taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees and settlements, and have attracted negative attention not only in Pennsylvania, but nationally.