PSBA’s Member Statement: School Funding Decision
PSBA is pleased that this week’s ruling in the school funding trial acknowledges the fact that the state has not fulfilled its obligation to provide the resources needed to ensure every student can succeed academically, socially and civically, even as public schools continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of students.
As our members experience firsthand, fair and adequate state funding would alleviate much of the burden on local taxpayers by providing additional resources to serve the needs of students, staff and their school community. Under the current funding system, as the court noted, districts are forced to rely on local taxpayers and balance numerous unfunded or underfunded mandates, both of which take away from our shared goal of providing a high-quality education to all of Pennsylvania’s students.
This court ruling is a recognition that every single child deserves a comprehensive, effective and contemporary education from their local public school district and that every taxpayer deserves to reside in an area with great public schools. While this decision is a step in the right direction, what happens next remains to be seen.
PSBA will continue to monitor the proceedings related to this case and will keep members apprised of how their districts may be impacted. PSBA will continue to urge the governor and General Assembly to commit to fully funding all public schools and implementing a new series of laws that will truly hold every school to the same, fair standards of accountability and transparency.