A graduate of Upper Darby High School, Jonathan was a true champion of quality public education and education finance reform. He was acutely aware of how inequitable policies - such as Pennsylvania's historic over-reliance on property taxes to fund public education - contributed to the decline of his beloved community.

While still a student at Yale Law School, Jonathan formed the idea of organizing community leaders from older, developed suburbs to form a regional coalition with the capacity to affect the policies and practices that will stabilize and revitalize their communities. At a May 2008 Issues Convention, more than 350 leaders ratified education finance issues as a priority concern for the newly formed organization.

Good Schools Pennsylvania invites you to join us in paying respects to Jonathan at his memorial celebration, to be held next weekend, Saturday, March 6, at 1:00 pm at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026. Click here to read the obituary.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Jonathan Schmidt College Scholarship Fund at Upper Darby High School. This scholarship will be awarded to exceptional college-bound seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to their community. Checks can be made out to "UDHS Scholarship Fund" and sent to: UDHS Scholarship Fund ATTN: Jonathan Schmidt Scholarship, 601 North Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.