The recently passed 2024-25 state budget is a continuation of the process that began last year to bring our system of funding public education into constitutional compliance. From the moment the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s system of funding public education was unconstitutional, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) knew that the process of addressing the ruling would be a multi-year, multi-pronged approach and we believe this budget furthers that path.
“I doubt anyone would have expected the General Assembly to address decades of inadequate funding in a single budget or two,” said Nathan Mains, PSBA chief executive officer. “But what our members want to see is a commitment from the General Assembly that the state will continue investing more in public education and relieve the burden on so many communities to fund their local schools” Mains continued.
While we are glad to see a recognition in this year’s budget that cyber charter schools and the way they are funded need reform, we look forward to continuing our work with the governor and General Assembly to ensure that school districts and taxpayers are paying fairly for online educational choices and that those schools operate on a level playing field with school districts.
“Our members have known that cyber charter reform was needed for 20 plus years. We are encouraged that the General Assembly has started to come to that realization as well. It’s not about stifling or eliminating choice. But what we need to see is that providing school choice in the form of cyber charters is fair to districts and taxpayers alike.” said Mains.
This budget also continues vital commitments that address student mental health, staffing and school infrastructure challenges, all of which remain top concerns for school leaders. PSBA remains committed to ensuring a high-quality public education system for all 1.7 million students and families that continue to choose their community public schools.
