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State Rep. John Siptroth D- Monroe/Pike www.pahouse.com/siptroth

Siptroth equitable school funding commission plan passes House

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – A plan introduced by state Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, that would help fund growing schools in his district was adopted by the House today.

The legislation (H.R. 460) would create a commission to examine the data derived from the state Board of Education’s costing-out study of public education in Pennsylvania. The commission would offer recommendations on changing the current system for funding public education. The study results were released in November.

Drafting the legislation was a joint effort between Siptroth and state Rep. Beverly Mackereth, R-York.

“I instructed the speaker and my leadership not to delay this important legislation in my absence," Siptroth said. "I am happy to report that the House was in agreement with my desire to take action on this proposal.”

Siptroth said that he has maintained a 100 percent attendance record since taking office in 2005.

"I cannot be in Harrisburg this week due to my recovery from major surgery but I can assure constituents that I am continuing to push my agenda of school funding reform, and other issues that affect residents of the 189^th Legislative District,” he said.

The commission would have four primary goals, including ensuring that:

1. State funds for basic education are distributed adequately and equitably;

2. State funding addresses unique characteristics among districts, including changes in demography and needs of students;

3. State funding is linked with measures of accountability; and

4. School districts remain accountable for meeting state academic standards and attaining student proficiency.

The 41-member commission would include members of the General Assembly, cabinet secretaries, school board directors, classroom teachers and parents of students enrolled in public schools, as well as education experts and members of child advocacy organizations.

The commission would be on a stringent timeline. The members would have to meet within 60 days of being appointed, and the commission would have to report its findings to the governor, the president pro tempore of the Senate and speaker of the House within one year from its first meeting date. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

“As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, I expect to be fully recovered and back in Harrisburg to advocate for more school funding and essential services to Monroe and Pike counties through the beginning of budget hearings in February,” Siptroth said.