As another school year comes to a close, we want to thank you for the dedication, care, and professionalism you bring to your students, schools, and communities each day. As summer begins, we hope you take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a well-deserved break with family and friends. Whether you’re traveling, pursuing personal interests, or simply enjoying a slower pace, we wish you a safe, relaxing, and rewarding summer and look forward to supporting you in the year ahead.
In this issue:
- School Counseling Services Act (HB 2218) Awaits Senate Consideration
- Federal Education Priorities Take Center Stage in Congressional Hearing
- Celebrating Student Creativity: American 250 Art Contest Winners
- Looking Ahead
School Counseling Services Act (HB 2218) Awaits Senate Consideration
The Pennsylvania House approved HB 2218, the School Counseling Services Act, largely along party lines. The legislation would require school districts to develop comprehensive K–12 counseling plans and establish a goal that school counselors spend at least 80% of their time providing direct and indirect student services, including academic advising, career planning, social-emotional support, bullying prevention, and mental health referrals. The bill would help ensure students have consistent access to counseling services and allow counselors to focus on student needs rather than administrative duties.
Based on legislative debate and committee discussion, Republicans were generally not opposing the idea of school counseling services. Their objections were more focused on state mandates, implementation requirements, and funding concerns.
Federal Education Priorities Take Center Stage in Congressional Hearing
During a May congressional hearing, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon highlighted the administration’s focus on literacy, math achievement, workforce development, and expanding state control over federal education funding. Democrats raised concerns about proposed budget cuts, staffing reductions, and the Department of Education’s ability to oversee civil rights protections and key federal programs. The hearing underscored continuing national debate over the federal government’s role in supporting and regulating public education.
Celebrating Student Creativity: American 250 Art Contest Winners
We are proud to showcase the outstanding artwork of the winners of KEYTA’s Student Art Contest, Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence. Through their creativity, talent, and unique perspectives, these students captured the spirit, history, and promise of our nation in inspiring ways. We congratulate all of our winners and thank every student who participated for helping commemorate this historic milestone through the power of art.
Looking Ahead
Pennsylvania lawmakers are expected to focus heavily on the 2026–27 state budget over the next several weeks, including discussions about school funding, educator workforce initiatives, special education supports, and potential additional cyber charter reforms. At the federal level, funding negotiations and student loan policy changes remain key issues to watch heading into summer. We will continue to monitor these issues closely and provide updates as developments occur.
