At Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Scranton, excitement buzzed as Gov. Josh Shapiro visited to emphasize his administration’s dedication to bolstering public education in Pennsylvania.
“I think investing in education isn’t just about dollars and cents,” Shapiro articulated. “It’s also about common sense.”
Significant State Funding Increases
Highlighting the 2026-27 state budget, Shapiro pointed out an impressive $11.85 billion in state subsidies allocated for public schools. This marks a notable over 30% increase in state funding since he assumed office nearly four years ago.
The budget introduces a $565 million boost aimed at adequacy and tax equity formula funding, summing up to $1.9 billion. These funds target historically underfunded schools, ensuring more equitable distribution of resources.
Sydney Allabaugh
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WVIA News
Revitalizing Scranton School District
Superintendent Erin Keating shared that the Scranton School District, previously on the brink of financial ruin, has greatly benefited from increased state funding. She recalled a time when the district was forced to cut programs, furlough staff, and consider closing schools.
“We had to do more with less,” Keating explained, emphasizing the impact of inadequate funding on educational programs and opportunities.
In a landmark ruling in February 2023, Commonwealth Court declared Pennsylvania’s educational funding system unconstitutional, highlighting the need for change. Since Shapiro’s tenure began, over $3 billion has been secured for K-12 education, marking the largest investment in the state’s history.
For Scranton, this meant a 63.5% increase in funding, translating to an additional $48 million. This year, the district will receive $123.4 million from the state.
The influx of funds has enabled the district to establish 26 new autism support classrooms, bring back arts programs, and hire additional staff, including eight new elementary STEM teachers and a district-wide librarian.
School Board President Tom Borthwick noted the transformative impact of these funds, stating, “Through the governor’s efforts, through the efforts of our representatives and our state senator, we have been getting funds and investing them in things like restoring libraries.”
Local representatives, including Bridget Kosierowski and Kyle Donahue, echoed the positive sentiments surrounding the funding, with Donahue stating, “This funding is doing more than filling budget gaps. It’s helping districts restore programs that were cut, expand opportunities for students and provide the supports our kids need to succeed.”
Sydney Allabaugh | WVIA News
Broader Educational Investments
Beyond K-12 funding, Shapiro has pushed for increased investments in vocational and technical education, with a 60% funding rise. He emphasized the need for diverse pathways to success, asserting that, “We value the trades, we value skills, and we believe those are the skills that are going to help drive our economy forward.”
For the first time in over ten years, Pennsylvania is witnessing growth in the number of teachers, a development Shapiro attributes to a $40 million investment in the Pennsylvania Student Teacher Support Program. This initiative provides stipends to student teachers, encouraging more individuals to enter the profession.
State education secretary Carrie Rowe noted improvements in education outcomes, citing reduced absenteeism and a rise in graduation rates. Pennsylvania has emerged as a leader in career readiness. “These outcomes… didn’t happen by chance,” Rowe stated. “It happened because of those strategic investments… Now we can get on with the most important work, and that’s the work of focusing on students.”
