| We hope your summer is off to a great start! Here’s a snapshot of key education developments in Pennsylvania during June:
In this issue:
- Cyber-Charter Funding Reform Advances
- Budget Boost for K–12 Schools
- Court Ruling Holds PA Schools Liable for Student-on-Student Sexual Abuse
- Literacy Initiative
Cyber-Charter Funding Reform Advances
The PA House passed a tight 104–98 vote on a bill that would cap cyber charter tuition reimbursements at $8,000 per student, restrict balance reserves, prohibit parent incentives, and halt new cyber-charter approvals through 2029–30. Proponents of HB 1500 anticipate $450–600 million in annual savings, with potential district-specific gains of $1–4 million.
Stay tuned for final decisions on cyber-charter reform—it will affect district budgets and teacher job stability.
The bill now moves to the Senate.
Budget Boost for K–12 Schools
Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal includes:
- $526 million to close funding gaps for underfunded districts
- $75 million additional for basic education
- $40 million more for special education
- $125 million for school facilities
- Other increases in Pre‑K, student-teacher stipends, cyber funding, and safe school grants
Legislators are working to finalize the plan by the June 30 deadline and upon its passage, schools may see real increases in basic and special education funding, career tech, facilities, and mental health supports.
Court Ruling Holds PA Schools Liable for Student-on-Student Sexual Abuse
A recent Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruling determined that public schools can be held legally responsible if they fail to prevent student-on-student sexual abuse. In a unanimous decision, the court allowed a lawsuit against the Philadelphia School District to proceed after a 10th-grade student with intellectual disabilities was sexually assaulted by classmates. The court clarified that school districts are not protected by governmental immunity in cases involving sexual abuse, even when the abuse is committed by other students rather than school employees.
What this means for Pennsylvania teachers: This decision raises the legal stakes for school districts and staff when it comes to preventing peer-on-peer abuse. It reinforces the importance of vigilance, reporting, and proactive safety measures in schools, especially for vulnerable student populations.
Literacy Initiative
The United States of Readers program by Scholastic launched in five high-need PA districts, distributing 3,500 free books to students in Pre-K–8 and another 125 books per classroom. Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph joined legislators to celebrate the initiative.
We’ll keep you updated as these stories progress—especially as the Senate acts on cyber-charter reform and the budget passage. If you’d like more detail on any topic, feel free to reach out!
Enjoy your summer break—hopefully with some well-deserved rest and refreshment |
