Pennsylvania's school funding system allows wealthy communities with high local tax bases to fully fund their schools.
But poor communities can't do that.
This means that school districts in high-income areas, such as the North Allegheny School District, are better able to meet the needs of their students than districts in low-income areas, such as Reading.
In February 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that this school funding system was unconstitutional because it was so unfair to poor school districts.
Following the ruling, the Basic Education Funding Board approved a plan for schools to receive more than $5 billion over seven years to help them function properly.
Education Secretary Khalid Mumin said this week at a teachers conference that this would help bridge the gap.
“Now is the time to make the most of this opportunity and level the playing field for learners,” he said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro is calling for $1.1 billion to be invested in basic education this year. This is almost double the amount spent last year.
Moomin said it remains committed to seeking $1.1 billion after a bipartisan committee investigation clearly identified this inequity as a problem.
Last year's budget negotiations stalled over disagreements over funding for school assistance. However, there was broad agreement on the spending plan for basic education.
Mumin said he expects Congress to pass Shapiro's budget this year if the vouchers don't derail negotiations.
As a result, Moomin hopes Congress will pass Shapiro's proposal this year.
“Amidst all the debate over choices and other things, Congress came together to support that $567 million investment,” he said.
Moomin said there was still something to solve.
For example, the state began funding universal free breakfast for students last year. Next time it might be a free lunch.
He said the $1.1 billion investment in basic education would create space for “ideas and ambitious goals for the future of education in the commonwealth.”
