The 2025-26 state budget has passed, bringing an end to a more than four-month long budget impasse. For months, districts faced uncertainty and were forced to make difficult decisions without knowing when state subsidies would arrive. This long-overdue agreement delivers critical funding that will stabilize school operations and restore programs that have been on hold since July.
“The passage of Pennsylvania’s budget after a four-month impasse is an important step toward stability. While the delay created real challenges, this outcome demonstrates that even in a divided government, compromise is possible when the focus remains on serving students and families,” said PSBA CEO Nathan Mains.
The 2025-26 state budget directs additional resources toward public education, continuing efforts to address core needs across Pennsylvania schools. Funding adjustments include increases for basic and special education, along with continued support for early learning programs and initiatives aimed at improving classroom readiness. The plan also allocates money for school safety and mental health services, as well as upgrades to school facilities, including projects focused on sustainability.
“After months of uncertainty, districts can now move forward with confidence and focus on delivering the high-quality education students deserve,” Mains continued.
Beyond funding, the budget incorporates policy changes that affect how schools operate and serve students. These include new requirements for cyber charter schools related to residency verification and student wellness checks, updates to tuition calculations and steps to strengthen literacy instruction for early grades. Additional provisions address school safety standards, teacher certification processes and financial assistance for districts facing economic challenges.
PSBA’s commitment to advocating for the needs of school districts does not end with the passage of this budget. We will continue to provide support as districts implement new requirements and adjust to funding changes, working to ensure that Pennsylvania’s public schools remain strong for the 1.7 million students and families who depend on them every day.
