The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) is encouraged by the continuation of investments in public education included in Governor Shapiro’s third budget address.
“The governor’s proposed budget demonstrates his commitment to public education, and we are hopeful that, as budget negotiations progress, all sides will be able to come together and make further advancements in public education despite the difficult revenue projections facing the state,” said PSBA CEO Nathan Mains.
The proposed budget also addresses critical public school needs such as cyber charter tuition, student mental health, staffing shortages and school infrastructure, all of which are top concerns that school leaders identified in PSBA’s upcoming State of Education report.
The governor’s proposed budget addresses the vital need for cyber charter school funding reform. His proposal would establish a statewide cyber tuition rate for non-special education students and use a tiered formula for special education students to better align with the cost of providing an online education and the needs of students. The proposal would save taxpayers millions annually.
“PSBA is looking to build upon the historic cyber charter reforms from last legislative session that will continue the call of 94% of locally elected school boards – to enact substantial reforms to Pennsylvania’s charter school law. But these reforms will not be achievable if stakeholders and policymakers cannot put aside the rhetoric that has plagued past reform efforts and come together to find sensible solutions for the students, families and taxpayers of the commonwealth,” said PSBA CEO Nathan Mains.
The proposed investment of $125 million for the Solar-for-Schools and school facility improvement programs are a welcomed and needed continuation of the programs created in last year’s budget that help schools address some of their facility needs. However, the need for state school infrastructure funding is so great that PSBA calls on the state to make significant investments in our school buildings by funding school construction and renovation projects.
Over the last 13 years, public schools have experienced an 86% increase in special education costs while state and federal funding for special education has only increased 10% in that time. An increase of $40 million for special education would be welcomed by school leaders, but it fails to keep pace with the increased costs associated with providing students with the supports and services they need.
PSBA stands ready to work with the administration and General Assembly throughout the budget process to enact funding and policy changes that will not only bring Pennsylvania’s education funding into compliance with the state constitution but also provide a high-quality education for the 1.7 million students who attend a public school.
