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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Nicholas Micozzie State Rep. Margo Davidson |
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Legislators put $2.726 million in budget for Upper Darby schools
HARRISBURG, June 29 – State Reps. Nicholas Micozzie, R-Delaware; and Margo Davidson, D-Delaware; along with state Sen. Edwin Erickson, R-Delaware/Chester, worked together to successfully restore $2.726 million for the Upper Darby School District relative to Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget proposal in February.
The Upper Darby School District announced earlier this year that, due to a lack of funding, it would have to cut foreign language and technology classes and eliminate specialized teachers in art, music and physical education in order to balance its budget.
The final budget agreement restores the $100 million Accountability Block Grant program for schools, which Micozzie said should provide $726,000 to the Upper Darby School District. Micozzie said he worked with the governor and legislative leaders to dedicate an additional $2 million to the district to assist Upper Darby School District board members to restore most cuts in special programs and rehire teachers.
"After talking with parents, teachers and school officials, I knew we had to do something in order to ensure the children attending Upper Darby School District continue to receive a quality education with access to foreign language, the arts, technology and physical education classes," Micozzie said. "I was pleased to have Representative Davidson and Senator Erickson join me in my call for additional funding. This money will go a long way in helping the district meet its budget goals. Specifically, the $2 million line item in the 2012-13 budget is expected to be a recurring appropriation each year. I am confident the school board and district officials will make sure each dollar is spent in a manner that will best meet the needs of the students."
Davidson said, "After numerous meetings and communications with members of the community, I worked diligently to find a solution including making recommendations at school board meetings and offering an amendment on the House floor. I then began meeting with Representative Micozzie and we were on the same page from the very beginning. I also want to thank the House Appropriations majority chairman, Bill Adolph, who listened to Representative Micozzie and me and took those concerns to the governor, which resulted in this agreement for this appropriation.
"As I understand it, the $2 million included in this year’s budget will be an annual appropriation which can help save these programs long-term and I am delighted to be able to work across the aisle for the people of my district to get this done."
News of the additional funding from the state prompted the Upper Darby School District to announce earlier this week that it would, in fact, restore most of the specialized classes.
The House passed the 2012-13 state budget bill Thursday. The Senate did the same today, sending it to Gov. Corbett for his signature.
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