A Week in Harrisburg: Amplifying the Call for Fair School Funding and Celebrating Family Milestones
From Senate Recognition to Crucial Budget Conversations: The Urgent Need for Educational Equity in Pennsylvania
This past week in Harrisburg was a powerful reminder of both the personal milestones that shape our lives and the crucial policy work that impacts our communities. Witnessing my daughter Bella honored on the Senate floor was a deeply moving experience, a testament to her resilience and our family's journey. Coupled with the joy of capturing my son Skyler's graduation photos at the Capitol, these moments underscored the very reason we advocate: to build a brighter future for all our children.
Beyond these personal landmarks, the week was significantly shaped by critical discussions surrounding the future of education funding in Pennsylvania. Meetings with Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor and Budget Secretary Uri Monson provided invaluable insights into the current challenges and potential paths forward.
My conversation with Auditor General DeFoor highlighted the pressing need to modernize our school funding model. His perspective as the state's fiscal watchdog brought a sharp focus to the inefficiencies and inequities that persist. His conviction that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't serve our diverse student population resonated strongly. We discussed the importance of moving beyond entrenched battles between different types of schools and centering our efforts on what truly benefits the students and the taxpayers
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Similarly, my meeting with Budget Secretary Monson reinforced the urgency of creating a more stable and predictable funding formula. The current annual budget cycle often hinders long-term planning for school districts, charter schools, and cyber charter schools alike. Secretary Monson echoed the need for a system that allows for multi-year planning, fostering greater stability and allowing educators to focus on delivering quality education rather than navigating perpetual budget uncertainty.
These conversations, while focused on complex financial mechanisms, ultimately come down to a fundamental principle: ensuring every child in Pennsylvania has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or location. The current funding structure too often creates disparities and limitations. It’s time for a system that is fair, equitable, and designed to empower all students to reach their full potential.
This week in Harrisburg served as a powerful reminder that advocacy takes many forms – celebrating individual achievements, amplifying the voices of families, and engaging in the critical work of shaping policy. The need for a renewed focus on how we fund our schools is clear. It's a conversation that demands our attention, our collaboration, and our unwavering commitment to the future of Pennsylvania's children.
In Harrisburg
Executive Functioning Skills School Grant Program
Representative Jennifer O'Mara is circulating a memo to all House members regarding the Executive Functioning Skills School Grant Program. The proposed legislation aims to provide grants to Pennsylvania schools for developing and implementing executive functioning programs to improve student outcomes.
Making Education Funding More Transparent and Smarter in Pennsylvania
Representative Jason Ortitay is circulating a memo to all House members regarding a bill to create a new Financial Transparency Data and Reporting System for education in Pennsylvania.
School District Cyber Charter School Funding
Senator Rosemary Brown plans to introduce legislation revising independent cyber charter school funding reimbursement if a home school district operates its own cyber-charter program. The legislation ensures that districts offering a cyber-charter program comparable to third-party options will only be required to cover tuition costs up to the amount the home school district spends per pupil in their own program.
House Education Committee Meeting
05/12/2025 10:00 AM
Education Room 60, East Wing
Senate Education Committee Meeting
05/12/2025 11:00 AM Live Streamed- opens in a new tab
Education Hearing Room 1, North Office Bldg., (LIVE STREAMED - opens in a new tab)
In the Headlines
Fox Chapel Area School District in-person classes resume Tuesday
Fox Chapel Area School District will resume in-person learning starting Tuesday following multiple closures due to recent severe storms that caused power outages and road disruptions. Students attended virtual classes on Monday, and families received messages about the reopening and temporary changes to bus routes. Due to ongoing road closures, several temporary bus stops have been established.
High School Teacher Faces 63 Felony Charges After Allegedly Having Sex with 16-Year-Old Student
Michelle Mercogliano, a Pennsylvania high school teacher at Conestoga High School, faces 63 felony charges after allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student and providing the minor with marijuana. The Chester County District Attorney's Office reported that Mercogliano began the relationship in February, communicated with the student via Snapchat, and is cooperating by arranging to turn herself in.
DuBois Area School District Receives $450K to Boost Tech and Career Ed
DuBois Area School District received a $450,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to expand career and technical education (CTE) and STEM programs, focusing on computer science, engineering, and other high-demand fields.
Bus drivers needed in Midstate school districts, even as academic year comes to an end
Schools are actively seeking to recruit new drivers to ensure students have reliable access to transportation for the upcoming school year. This shortage poses challenges for districts in maintaining smooth daily operations, prompting efforts such as offering incentives and increased outreach to attract qualified candidates.