School Code Bill Still Held Hostage
Earlier in November, both chambers of the State Legislature passed versions of House Bill 301, an omnibus school code bill containing much needed measures for our school systems. However, the PA House and Senate continue to argue over the inclusion, or removal, of an additional $150 million for education tax credits to provide scholarships to students through the existing Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), which provides private school scholarships for children in low- and middle-income families.
While the majority of Senators agree with the inclusion, the House is split strictly along party lines.
The House amended bill now goes back to the Senate and the standoff will remain unresolved until at least the middle of December, when the two chambers are scheduled to return for a three-day voting session.
Tied up in the impasse are proposals funding community colleges; creating an Educator Pipeline program, including stipends for student-teachers and grants to cooperating teachers who take on student-teachers; programs to address Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage; a school safety effort; and aid for libraries.
House Bill 301 also allocates funding for programs that were included in the 2023-24 state budget, including:
• $100 million for K-12 mental health programs for schools.
• $295 million for Ready-to-Learn Block Grants.
• More than $261 million for community colleges.
• More than $76 million in Special Education funding for Intermediate Units.
• $10 million to create a new Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program to provide grants to student teachers.
• $46.5 million in reimbursements to school entities that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.
• More than $70 million in state aid to public libraries.
• $14.5 million in funding for career and technical schools.
• $7 million to assist distressed schools.
Armed School Security Personnel
The state Senate has revised Senate Bill 907, initially proposing mandatory armed security in all schools. The amended version introduces a phased approach, allowing school officials to opt out if suitable personnel are not readily available. The amendment outlines a schedule, mandating armed security in one-third of school buildings by 2025-26, two-thirds by 2026-27, and all buildings by 2027-28.
However, a waiver provision allows local officials to forego the armed security requirement if no local police department is available or if candidates cannot be found.
Additionally, the amendment mandates school officials to submit a report to both the local school board and the state detailing their armed security measures. Senator Mike Regan, the bill’s sponsor, contends that having an armed officer as the initial responder is the most effective deterrent against armed threats. The revised SB 907, including the amendment, received a 41-9 vote.
2022-2023 State Assessment Results Released
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has revealed the outcomes of the 2022-2023 school year assessments, including the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), and Keystone Exams. The results demonstrate a statewide improvement in academic achievement across all subjects. Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin emphasized the ongoing progress in both participation and achievement, attributing it to innovative approaches like online assessments. The overall improvement aligns with national trends, showcasing gains in English Language Arts, Math, and Science proficiency. Noteworthy advancements were observed in English Learner Growth and Attainment.
