education-funding

Fight over tax money for private school tuition snags education funding bill again

BY: and - November 16, 2023

A months-long stalemate over public education funding appeared likely to continue on Wednesday as state House lawmakers stripped GOP-backed school choice funding from a spending bill. The state Senate passed the legislation on Wednesday authorizing hundreds of millions in new funding for K-12 schools, community colleges, educational support units and public libraries with a 45-5 […]

Pittsburgh educators share needs of western Pennsylvania schools with state commission

BY: - October 11, 2023

As part of a series of statewide hearings on education funding in Pennsylvania, lawmakers heard from educators in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, who told them of the needs that schools in western Pennsylvania have, including special education funding, pre-kindergarten programs, and a vital need for improvements to career and technical education (CTE) programs. “There are way […]

Students, families, and education advocates join Children First and Education Voters of Pennsylvania to host a rally on the Capitol steps to “ring the bells of justice,” and call for equitable funding for Pennsylvania public schools. The rally, which took place Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, occurred on the first day of the landmark trial that could change how Pennsylvania funds its 500 school districts. (Capital-Star photo by Marley Parish)

School funding overhaul is a chance to fix old flaws in an inequitable system, advocates say

BY: - September 7, 2023

Pennsylvania lawmakers will embark on a historic effort this fall to reform the commonwealth’s education funding system that a state court earlier this year declared unconstitutional.

COMMENTARY
Students, families, and education advocates join Children First and Education Voters of Pennsylvania to host a rally on the Capitol steps to “ring the bells of justice,” and call for equitable funding for Pennsylvania public schools. The rally, which took place Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, occurred on the first day of the landmark trial that could change how Pennsylvania funds its 500 school districts. (Capital-Star photo by Marley Parish)

Opinion: The public deserves to speak at Basic Education Funding Commission hearings

BY: - September 6, 2023

By Brenda Morales and Sylvia Witherspoon Just beneath the hustle and bustle of the start of another school year – fundraising campaigns for school supplies, family debates about new backpacks, and wringing every least deal from chain stores – lies a persistent truth: Pennsylvania’s school districts are chronically underfunded, leaving children, families, and their teachers […]

A view of the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (Photo by Amanda Mustard for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star).

Pa. Legislature’s unfinished budget business leaves uncertainty for schools, human services

BY: - August 4, 2023

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature on Pennsylvania’s $45.5 billion budget brought relief Thursday across the commonwealth as the new school year approaches and quarterly payments come due. But his administration’s decision to hold back hundreds of millions in funds for a handful of programs leaves uncertainty for some as school districts work to reconcile their budgets […]

COMMENTARY

Saving public education in Pennsylvania — where it began | Marc Stier

BY: - July 13, 2023

Fixing the way Pennsylvania pays for public schools doesn’t mean more money for private institutions.

Shapiro: Senate GOP failed to close budget deal with House Democrats on school vouchers

BY: - July 6, 2023

In debate over the budget on Wednesday, Rep. Seth Grove, of York County, who is the ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee, said that a number of other Democratic priorities faced a similar fate because the House had failed to pass legislation to authorize them.

William Penn High School in Harrisburg, Pa. (Capital-Star photo by John L. Micek).

A storied Harrisburg high school faces the wrecking ball | Thursday Morning Coffee

BY: - June 29, 2023

News of the planned demolition of William Penn High School comes amidst a broader debate on how Pa. will pay for repairs for schools statewide

House Republicans warn state budget could be late as they push back on Democrats’ proposal

BY: - June 22, 2023

House Republican leaders criticized the Democratic majority for waiting too long to begin the budget negotiation process.

COMMENTARY

Funding the 500: This is what a fair funding system will look like for Philly’s students | Opinion

BY: - June 22, 2023

For one, modern school facilities that mirror the facilities readily available in wealthier school districts.

Funding the 500: Revisiting Pennsylvania charter schools after a quarter-century

BY: - June 22, 2023

Public education advocates say it’s time to fix the way taxpayer money is distributed to charter schools.

Building 21 in the Philadelphia School District (Photo by Ella Lathan for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star).

Funding the 500: Crumbling buildings, asbestos and gun violence add to Philly schools’ challenges

BY: - June 22, 2023

'It's infuriating,' Edward T. Steel Elementary special education teacher Nicole Wyglendowski told the Capital-Star.