Increased Funding for Pennsylvania Schools
In a significant move, eleven Pennsylvania school districts have been awarded an extra $14 million in the state’s 2024-25 budget. This additional funding is part of a historic $1.1 billion increase aimed at ensuring more equitable funding for the state’s K-12 schools. Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside prominent Democrats such as Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Matt Bradford, signed the budget on July 11, 2024.
Addressing Funding Inequities
The additional $14 million allocation is in response to a Commonwealth Court ruling declaring Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutionally inequitable. While the new formula is designed to address these disparities, the extra funds specifically target 11 districts that were particularly affected by the changes. Each of these districts is represented exclusively by Democrats in the state House, although three are represented by Republicans in the Senate.
Impact of the New Funding Formula
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) reported that these districts were selected due to the adverse impact of a new school funding formula, which favored Republican preferences. This formula adjustment resulted in reduced state funding for many schools compared to the version backed by Democrats. To mitigate these effects, additional funds were allocated to the most affected districts, ensuring they did not receive less than they would have under the Democrat-backed plan.
Districts Benefiting from Increased Funds
Among the districts receiving additional funds, Norristown Area School District, represented by Majority Leader Matt Bradford, will receive nearly $2 million. Bristol Township School District, represented by Caucus Secretary Tina Davis, is set to get about $1.6 million. William Penn School District in Delaware County, part of Speaker Joanna McClinton’s district, will receive around $1 million.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite these allocations, some Republicans and education advocates have raised concerns. Critics argue that other districts, equally affected by the new funding formula but represented by Republicans, did not receive additional funds. Michael Churchill, an attorney with the Public Interest Law Center, emphasized that adjustments should have been made across all affected districts, not just a select few.
Political and Legislative Context
The funding decision emerged from complex budget negotiations involving both parties and Governor Shapiro’s office. House Democrats and Senate Republicans reached a compromise, with Republicans insisting on using U.S. Census Bureau data to measure student poverty levels. This decision resulted in hundreds of schools losing potential funds due to smaller reported poverty levels. Democrats contended that school district-reported data would be more accurate.
Implications for Future Funding
The additional funding is outlined in the final pages of a 100-page bill directing state education funding. The bill details a new formula for distributing over $500 million to underfunded school districts. If continued by future legislatures, the 11 districts will receive $128 million over nine years.
Reactions from Lawmakers
Democratic lawmakers have defended the allocation, arguing it addresses the most significant shortfalls caused by the formula change. Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) emphasized the importance of ensuring all communities receive the quality education they deserve. However, Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) criticized the process, highlighting the challenges of keeping politics out of funding formulas.
