Rendell Calls for Major School Consolidations

2/9/2009 2:59:00 PM

As part of his budget address, Governor Ed Rendell proposed the creation of a legislative commissio…

As part of his budget address, Governor Ed Rendell proposed the creation of a legislative commission that would study the consolidation of 500 school districts down to 100. Aruging the need for district consolidations, Rendell cited this move as a way to relieve local property tax burdens faced by homeowners, as well as control growing administrative costs.

This proposal is the first in approximately 40 years. The last major consolidation occurred in the 1960’s, when the Commonwealth’s school districts were reduced from over 2000 to 501. The Center Area and Monaca Area school districts will complete their merger in July of this year, taking the number down from 501 to 500. Currently, 40 percent of the Pennsylvania’s school districts enroll fewer than 2000 students.

The Commission, comprised of an equal number of Democrat and Republican legislators from both chambers, would have one year to develop two merger plans. After a period of public comment, the General Assembly would be required to give an “up or down” vote within six months. If neither plan is approved, the authority to consolidate would rest with the State Board of Education.