On May 4, more than 100 school board members and education leaders from across the commonwealth gathered at the State Capitol for PSBA’s 2026 Advocacy Day to urge lawmakers to take action on critical issues impacting public schools.
During meetings with legislators and staff, PSBA members highlighted the urgent need for mandate relief, predictable state support for school infrastructure, and protections for school districts during state budget impasses — all of which directly affect students, taxpayers and local communities.
“School board directors serve on the front lines of public education,” said Sabrina Backer, 2026 PSBA president and school board director at Franklin Area School District. “They balance rising costs, growing expectations and limited resources while remaining accountable to their communities. Advocacy Day gives PSBA members the opportunity to share real-world impacts of state policies and to work collaboratively with lawmakers on solutions.”
Mandate Relief
PSBA members emphasized that unfunded and underfunded state mandates continue to force school districts to divert resources away from classrooms. While many mandates advance important policy goals, the cumulative financial burden often falls on local taxpayers and students.
School leaders urged lawmakers to support reforms that require funding for new mandates, establish a systematic review of existing mandates, and reinstate a mandate waiver program that allows districts flexibility when waivers would improve efficiency and effectiveness.
State Infrastructure Support
School board members also called attention to the need for predictable and sustainable state funding for school construction, renovation and maintenance projects. Despite clear needs — more than three-quarters of districts report at least one building requiring major repair or replacement — existing state reimbursement programs remain unfunded or inaccessible.
Without state support, districts are often left with no option but to delay necessary projects or rely solely on local property taxes, placing significant strain on communities.
Budget Impasse Relief
PSBA members underscored the harm caused by late state budgets, noting that delayed funding disrupts planning, increases costs and creates uncertainty for students and staff. With state funding comprising an average of nearly 40% of district budgets — and significantly more in some districts — even short delays can have lasting consequences.
School leaders urged the General Assembly to consider mechanisms that would make districts financially whole during impasses and allow funding to continue flowing when budgets are delayed.
“Public school districts need stability and predictability to serve students well,” Backer added. “By addressing these issues, lawmakers can help ensure that local leaders are focused on education — not on managing avoidable fiscal crises.”
PSBA thanks the legislators who met with school board members during Advocacy Day and looks forward to continued collaboration to strengthen public education across Pennsylvania.
