After a prolonged budget impasse, Pennsylvania’s school districts are set to benefit from a newly adopted state budget of $50.09 billion, which includes substantial increases in education funding. The resolution of the 4.5-month stalemate in November has brought much-needed financial support to local schools across the commonwealth, particularly in Luzerne County.
The new budget allocates an impressive $18.46 billion for preschool, primary, and secondary education, representing an annual increase of $872.02 million, or 5.0%. Key components of this funding include $8.26 billion for Basic Education, $1.53 billion for Special Education, and a significant 68.4% increase in Ready to Learn block grant funding to $1.38 billion. Local school districts can expect enhanced financial support as a result.
Funding Breakdown Across Luzerne County Schools
In Luzerne County, several districts will see notable increases in their education funding. For example, the Berwick Area School District will receive $22.98 million, reflecting a 4.99% increase over the previous year. The breakdown includes $18.11 million in basic education funding and $2.80 million for special education.
Crestwood School District is set to receive $13.08 million, which is a remarkable 15.72% increase. Dallas School District will also benefit, receiving $9.91 million, a 6.49% increase compared to last year. Dallas Superintendent Thomas Duffy expressed optimism about the budget’s adoption and highlighted the reforms related to cyber charter schools aimed at saving districts collectively up to $178 million.
The Greater Nanticoke Area will see funding rise to $23.98 million, marking a 13.5% increase, while Hanover Area School District will receive $19.29 million, which is a 13.19% increase. The latter district has made significant financial recoveries over the past few years, boasting a positive fund balance of $8.1 million.
Challenges and Future Considerations
Other districts, such as Hazleton Area, will receive $105.41 million, an increase of 16.04%. In contrast, Lake-Lehman and Northwest Area have seen smaller increases of 1.96% and 1.12%, respectively. Northwest Area has faced financial difficulties, including a potential shutdown earlier this year, emphasizing the importance of ongoing legislative support for rural schools.
Pittston Area is projected to receive $19.5 million, an 8.94% increase. Meanwhile, Wilkes-Barre Area has secured $78.84 million, which is a 14.58% increase. Superintendent Brian Costello framed this funding as a reinforcement of the progress made in the state’s Fair Funding case, advocating for equitable education funding across districts.
The Wyoming Area School District, with an estimated $13.26 million in funding (a 12.12% increase), continues to grapple with financial strain due to a stagnant tax base, having raised property taxes for over a decade.
Overall, the recent budgetary developments signal a shift in Pennsylvania’s approach to education funding, with the state legislature prioritizing financial support for public schools. As districts prepare to utilize these resources, there is a collective hope for timely budget approvals in the future to ensure sustainable planning and stability in education.
