As a new school year approaches, here is a brief look at important state and federal education developments, along with KEYTA opportunities and reminders for members.
In this Issue:
- Pennsylvania’s 2026–27 Education Budget
- Schools to Teach Social Media Safety
- Federal Focus on School Sexual Misconduct
- Remember: Contact KEYTA First
- Supreme Court Rules on Transgender Athletes
- Earn Cash Rewards as a KEYTA Member
Pennsylvania’s 2026–27 Education Budget
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s 2026–27 state budget in July. The spending plan provides an additional $678 million for public education, including:
- $565 million in additional adequacy and tax-equity funding directed primarily toward underfunded districts.
- A $58 million increase in Basic Education Funding.
- A $55 million increase in Special Education Funding.
- Continued funding for universal free school breakfast, school safety, student mental-health services and school-building improvements.
- An additional $10 million for the Student Teacher Support Program, which provides stipends to student teachers and cooperating teachers.
- A $10 million increase for career and technical education programs.
The amended School Code also requires public schools to provide 30 minutes of daily recess for students in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade. The requirement is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2027, giving districts time to address scheduling, staffing and supervision concerns.
Schools to Teach Social Media Safety
Pennsylvania’s updated Public School Code requires the State Board of Education to incorporate social media literacy and safety into the state’s academic standards. Instruction will address how social media and mobile-device use can affect students’ mental and physical health and academic progress; how to recognize cyberbullying, predatory behavior and potential human trafficking; and how to protect personal information on mobile devices. The updates also strengthen school bullying and cyberbullying policies by requiring clear disciplinary procedures, investigations of reported incidents and prompt notification of the parents or guardians of the students involved. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will provide instructional materials and related professional-development opportunities for educators.
Federal Focus on School Sexual Misconduct
In July, the U.S. Department of Education launched a national K–12 initiative addressing sexual misconduct involving school employees. The Department reminded schools that they must promptly investigate allegations, accurately report incidents and comply with Title IX even when law enforcement or ChildLine is also involved. The initiative also emphasizes that districts may not help an employee obtain another school position when there is knowledge or probable cause to believe the employee engaged in sexual misconduct involving a student. Twenty school districts across the country, including one in Pennsylvania, are initially being investigated as part of this effort.
Remember: Contact KEYTA First
As the new school year begins, members are reminded to contact KEYTA as soon as they become aware of a parent complaint, student allegation, disciplinary investigation or other employment-related concern. Early guidance can help members understand their rights, avoid missteps and prepare before responding to an allegation or attending a meeting.
For timely and confidential assistance, members are encouraged to submit a request through the KEYTA SUPPORT Portal. This allows our team to review your concern and connect you with the appropriate support as quickly as possible.
Supreme Court Rules on Transgender Athletes
On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws in West Virginia and Idaho that limit girls’ and women’s school athletic teams to biological females. The Court ruled 6–3 that states may establish athletic eligibility based on biological sex without violating Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause.
The ruling permits these restrictions but does not require every state or school district to adopt them. The Court also did not decide whether schools may allow transgender girls to participate on girls’ teams.
Pennsylvania does not currently have a law comparable to those upheld in West Virginia and Idaho. Therefore, Pennsylvania school districts retain some discretion over their athletic participation policies, while also needing to consider PIAA rules, federal directives and protections under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
Earn Cash Rewards as a KEYTA Member
Help fellow educators discover the protection and benefits of KEYTA membership, and earn rewards at the same time! From August 1 through September 30, receive $100 for every full-time educator you refer who joins KEYTA. You can also earn a $100 VISA gift card by hosting a brief, 30-minute KEYTA information session with at least two educators in attendance. We’ll provide the refreshments and door prizes, making it easy for you to share KEYTA with your colleagues.
