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GUEST COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Siptroth |
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To: Editorial/Opinion Page Editor
From: State Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike
Please consider the following guest editorial written by state Rep. John Siptroth. For more information, contact Nicole Reigelman at 717-787-7895, e-mail nreigelm@pahouse.net
Plan to consider education funding study can’t wait
Equitable funding for Pennsylvania’s public school students has been unattainable for decades. Stakeholders have disagreed on everything from how much of the funding burden should fall on the shoulders of homeowners and local, state and federal governments, to how much we should be spending per pupil. Some have even doubted that a school funding equity problem exists at all.
Recently, for the first time, the legislature ordered a comprehensive costing-out study for education in Pennsylvania. That study is complete, and now is the time to consider it and all of the factors that comprise education spending in our state, and to listen to all of the voices in the dialogue.
The results of the study indicate that Pennsylvania should be spending $4.8 billion more on education every year. That is a huge number, so it is essential to fully examine the data used to arrive at that total and all the materials in the report.
Our Commonwealth cannot afford to leave the costing-out study results sitting on a shelf collecting dust for years. For one, it cost $600,000 to complete, but more importantly, it contains useful information that has a limited shelf life. The sooner it is considered, the sooner we can begin to implement the concepts within it.
We need to take action now to fix our education funding formula. If we start soon -- as H.R. 460, introduced by Rep. Beverly MacKereth, R-York, and I, advocates -- we can determine the appropriate action now and transition to a better funding system over time.
The Siptroth/MacKereth resolution would establish a commission tasked with examining the data from the costing-out study and offering recommendations on changing the current system of public education funding.
The commission’s 41 members would reflect the diversity of our state and the issue by including members of the General Assembly, department secretaries, school board directors, classroom teachers and parents of students enrolled in public schools, in addition to education experts and child advocacy organizations.
This type of commission would be the most effective way to consider and weigh the needs of students and school districts across the state. And its strict timeline would not allow for dillydallying or political wavering.
The two formulae the commission would be required to develop would serve as a launching pad for helping districts that are falling behind the curve.
Among my top concerns is meeting the needs of growing school districts like those found in the Poconos, the Allentown area and portions of York County. These growing districts tend to be severely underfunded because the cost of large-scale projects – such as new school facilities to meet the growing number of students – are so hefty.
Our state’s future depends on the success and preparedness of our next generation, and much of their success and preparation is dependent upon their formative years in public education. It is up to educators, officials and parents to provide children with the start they need to succeed.
The bottom line is that the costing-out study is complete. And while we may not like the product, it is a tool we can employ to make our children’s education better. The report from the costing-out study contains more than just a number. It contains valuable assessments and theories that we owe it to our children to consider and potentially employ.
John J. Siptroth is a legislator from the 189th Legislative District, including portions of Monroe and Pike counties.
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |