Years of pleading from underfunded Pennsylvania school districts to level the playing field with wealthy school districts finally netted $500 million more in Pennsylvania school funds to those districts in 2024.
It’s part of a nine-year state plan sending $4.5 billion to districts inadequately funded, or who are overburdened with excessive property taxes, writes Maddie Hanna for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In the William Penn School District, one of six districts to sue the state for inadequate funding, the added money allows them to keep what they have, especially as COVID-19 money runs out.
“This year’s funding meant we didn’t have to lay off staff,” said Eric Becoats, superintendent of the William Penn School District.
Even so, the district is “barely keeping our head above water,” he said.
In Upper Darby, an extra $10 million increase from the state didn’t fix its funding dilemma in 2024.
“It’s not nearly what we really need,” said Upper Darby Superintendent Dan McGarry.
The district still had to raise local property taxes to make up for declining real estate revenue, he said.
McGarry is focusing on increasing employee pay and improving aging facilities which “creates stability in a community.”
Find out more about increased 2024 state funding to school districts in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
