Despite a 2016 funding formula aimed at equalizing district finances in Pennsylvania, a school funding crisis means a staggering 80 percent of its school districts fail to secure sufficient funds to provide optimal education to their students, writes Maddie Hanna, Kasturi Pananjady, and Jasen Lofor for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The disparities in funding are starkly evident when comparing districts.  Methacton School District in Montgomery County sits in wealthier communities and is adequately funded, while William Penn School District, located in more poverty-stricken areas, is underfunded.

“This funding issue is about basic resources our students should have but don’t get,” lamented William Penn Superintendent Eric Becoats.

The issue is rooted in the state’s reliance on property taxes for funding.

Pennsylvania’s 2016 formula intended to remedy these imbalances by allocating more state funds to needier districts. However, due to political decisions, like the “hold harmless” policy, only a fraction of the state’s funding adheres to this formula.

Rep. Mike Sturla (D., Lancaster) explained, “The formula was a political decision, limiting its genuine impact.”

The Commonwealth Court has now tasked lawmakers with resolving the state’s school funding crisis and broken funding system.

Check out an interactive feature that lets you see whether your school district has enough money for its students in The Philadelphia Inquirer.