Rep. Peter Schweier, a Democrat from Lehigh County, chairs the state's Basic Education Funding Committee.
In a statement, he cited a report endorsed by the group that makes clear choices for educating Pennsylvania students, saying, “We need to go big.” Ta.
A bipartisan group of state officials is tasked with recommending ways to improve the state's public education funding system. They claim the new report will dramatically change the way children are educated across the state. This plan focuses on her four core values.
- Accountability to taxpayers and their families
- Ensuring that all students receive appropriate educational opportunities
- Provide equitable resources to underfunded students
- Build a stable and predictable state funding system
Rep. Schweyer explained that this report is the result of months of collaboration with students, families, teachers, superintendents, and education experts.
Schweyer also emphasized that while the plan calls for a significant increase in funding for school districts, the increase has a purpose. This will help fulfill “Pennsylvania's Constitutional obligation that all children receive a quality education.”
Additional funding will go toward investing in underfunded districts or districts that are growing too quickly to keep up with demand. Additionally, you will be paid for scientifically proven strategies and newly updated school buildings.
The increase in state funding could mean a $1 billion reduction in property taxes.
Recent moves to increase school funding come after a lawsuit concluded last year that found Pennsylvania's school funding system unconstitutional.
