Christen Smith

Christen Smith is the Pennsylvania News Editor for The Center Square and has more than a decade of experience covering state and national policy issues from all angles.

Public Education
Report: 25 years on, school choice demand surging

(The Center Square) – A new report indicates demand for school choice in Pennsylvania is higher than it’s ever been since its inception 25 years ago. The commonwealth was at… Read More

May 15, 2026
Culture
Report: School apologizes after transgender athlete uses girls’ bathroom

(The Center Square) – Staff at a district in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, told parents and students that news of a transgender athlete using the girls’ bathroom left them “surprised.” The… Read More

September 12, 2025
Public Education
More school choice leads to greater educational options, study finds

(The Center Square) – States with universal school choice policies see more growth in educational options for families, according to a new report. EdChoice, a nonprofit organization that researches school… Read More

May 21, 2025
Government
Watch: PA Dem state senator: ‘We are in big trouble’ without school choice

(The Center Square) – Democratic Sen. Anthony Williams, of Philadelphia, crosses the aisle to back an educational scholarship program historically opposed by the rest of his party. Read More

May 7, 2025
Politics
Watch: PA’s Ward says budget leaves kids trapped in failing schools

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania’s top ranking Senate Republican Kim Ward said that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget may spend a lot on public schools, but still doesn’t rescue kids… Read More

February 17, 2025