Spring Forward with Purpose: Championing Pennsylvania’s Students this Season
Mental Health, Equity, and Safety Take Center Stage in Harrisburg’s Education Agenda
As spring rolls in and the days grow warmer, it’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of the season and forget the important work happening in our schools. But right now in Harrisburg, key education issues—from student mental health to school safety—are shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s students.
Harrisburg
Helping Our Students Achieve by Creating Student Mental Health Days
Senators John Kane and Judith Schwank are circulating a memo proposing legislation that would allow students to take excused absences for mental health reasons, modeled after a similar law in Utah. The goal of the legislation is to normalize mental health support, provide schools with better insight into student struggles, and connect students with essential mental health resources.
Require Proof of Citizenship for Enrollment in Pennsylvania Schools
Senator Doug Mastriano is proposing legislation that would require all students enrolling in Pennsylvania K-12 public schools to provide verifiable proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. This measure aims to prioritize taxpayer-funded educational resources for U.S. citizens and legal residents, reflecting a significant policy shift in school enrollment requirements.
Eating Disorder Parental Education
Senator Steven Santarsiero is reintroducing legislation (Senate Bill 623) that requires schools to provide annual educational information to parents of students in 6th-12th grades regarding eating disorders. The bill, previously co-sponsored by Senators Haywood, Kearney, Hughes, Fontana, Costa, Dillon, Cappelletti, and Street, aims to raise awareness of the mental and physical effects of eating disorders.
Private School Students Participating in Extracurricular Activities at their Resident Public Schools
Representative Scott Barger, along with Representatives Joseph D'Orsie and Rich Irvin, are circulating a memo regarding upcoming legislation that would require school districts to allow private school students to participate in public school extracurricular activities if their private school does not offer the same activity. This legislation aims to extend the same extracurricular participation privileges currently available to charter and home school students to private school students as well.
Removing Barriers to High School Graduation
Representative Carol Hill-Evans is re-introducing legislation to provide grants to public schools in Pennsylvania for evidence-based student support services, including mental health programs, aimed at removing barriers to high school graduation. The proposed initiative, supported by other lawmakers, plans to fund these services through the Treasury Department’s unencumbered revenues and donations to help prevent student dropouts.
Education House Committee Meetings
04/25/2025 10:00 AM Live Streamed- opens in a new tab
Lancaster Middle School, 1001 Lehigh Avenue, Lancaster, PA
Headlines
School District of Lancaster facing $21 million budget deficit
The School District of Lancaster is facing a significant budget deficit of nearly $21 million, prompting the proposal of a tax increase for the first time in five years. The district is considering options to address the shortfall, including budget cuts and potential tax increases, while aiming to finalize a budget with public input by June 17.
Pennsylvania district seeks to buy 3,500 computers before China tariff takes effect
The Hazleton Area school district in Pennsylvania aims to purchase 3,500 Chromebooks before new tariffs on Chinese goods take effect, as prices for devices in China are significantly higher due to tariffs. With over 12,000 students, the district is facing rapidly changing price quotes and uncertainty ahead of potential future tariffs on electronics announced by the U.S. government.
Knoch teacher accused of striking autistic student
A Knoch High School teacher is accused of striking an autistic student, leading to an investigation by school officials and police. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
Student, 12, found with gun in backpack at Poconos school
A 12-year-old student at Pocono Mountain West Junior High was found with a gun in his backpack during a random metal detector screening at school. Authorities took the student into custody, placed the campus on precautionary hold, and are treating the incident as isolated while continuing their investigation.
School district addresses sensory room closure rumors
A local school district has addressed rumors regarding the closure of a sensory room, aiming to clarify the situation for concerned parents and the community. The district's statement likely provides details on the room's current status and any potential changes affecting its availability or use.
Fayette County school remote after intruder enters building two days in a row
Fayette County's Brownsville Area School District has switched to remote learning after an intruder entered a school building for the second consecutive day. The incidents, involving a masked man, are under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, though officials state there is no immediate threat to safety.
Spectrum Charter School students showcase their talents during Autism Awareness Month
Spectrum Charter School in Monroeville highlighted its students' talents during Autism Awareness Month, showcasing their abilities and creativity. The event aimed to celebrate the students and promote understanding and acceptance of autism.
Pennsylvania senator asked child ‘pornography’ question during civics competition
During a national civics bee competition, a Pennsylvania state senator was asked a question about child pornography. The senator's inquiry has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the appropriateness of the question in the context of a civics competition.
Social media influencers ‘fuelling misogyny in schools’
Social media influencers like Andrew Tate are reportedly fueling misogyny and sexism in schools, according to a survey of teachers. The survey indicates that a majority of teachers believe social media use has contributed to a decline in pupils’ behavior, prompting calls for government and educational institutions to address the negative influence of online content.
A school shooting was planned for State High, police say. Suspect arrested
A 20-year-old man, Braeden Phillips, was arrested for planning a coordinated school shooting at State High, including the use of incendiary devices and a hit list. Law enforcement successfully thwarted the threat following a tip, and Phillips is currently held without bail as the investigation continues.
Pennsylvania school employee accused of taping 1st graders mouths shut
A Pennsylvania school employee is under investigation for taping the mouths of first-grade students shut during lunch. The incident has raised concerns and prompted an official inquiry into the matter
Northampton County elementary school principal faces DUI charges
Erin Hines, an elementary school principal in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, was charged with DUI after being found with over four times the legal alcohol limit following a crash into three parked cars in late March. She has been placed on leave by the Bethlehem Area School District while the case is ongoing.