HARRISBURG – In response to growing concerns from rural school officials and taxpayers regarding inadequate funding increases in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget, Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) are calling for urgent action to address disparities in education funding across Pennsylvania’s rural communities.
In a letter to Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe, the senators outlined the challenges rural districts face due to inequitable funding distribution which limits their ability to recruit personnel, invest in technology and enhance curriculum to meet student performance standards.
“The reality is that many rural districts struggle to keep up as larger, well-funded schools attract veteran educators and invest heavily in resources. We must ensure that students in small communities have the same opportunities for success as those in urban and suburban districts,” said Baker. “Now is the time for real, actionable change. We look forward to working with Secretary Rowe and all stakeholders to ensure Pennsylvania’s rural students are not left behind.”
The senators highlighted concerns regarding cyber charter school costs, demographic shifts and economic challenges as additional burdens affecting rural districts. They are urging their colleagues in the legislature, the governor and his administration, and stakeholders to work together to prioritize fair funding solutions that will provide immediate relief and long-term sustainability for struggling schools.
“For too long, the focus has been on failing schools needing more money,” said Culver. “We want to shine a light on our rural schools that provide a quality education but are struggling to balance their budgets and maintain the level of service and academic achievement their students and taxpayers have come to expect – all because of a funding formula that has left some schools at a disadvantage. I am hopeful as we get underway with budget discussions in Harrisburg, Sen. Baker and I, together with our colleagues, can bring solutions to the table to address this concern for our rural schools.”
The legislators have formally invited Rowe to participate in a Community Conversation on Rural Education Funding Disparities in April to hear directly from impacted communities. The conversation, if accepted by Rowe, is expected to bring together educators, administrators, parents and policymakers for a constructive discussion addressing these challenges. The event will be hosted by the Northwest Area School District, where school leaders and community members have already been actively seeking solutions.