Bizzarro: Emergency School Code Relief bill provides support to districts, teachers and staff

HARRISBURG, March 25 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said today the Pa. House voted in support of emergency School Code relief in response the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate Bill 751 provides authority to the secretary of education to close all schools until the pandemic comes to an end and increase the number of allowable flexible institution days. The measure applies to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical, charter and cyber charter schools.

Schools must make good-faith efforts to maintain continuity of education to students throughout PDE closures, submitting plans to PDE and posting to their website. The bill also extends the current continuing education deadline by one year for teachers and school leaders.

“I am happy to see my recommendation to waive the 180-day requirement for all schools has been included in this legislation. It also guarantees that school cleaning staff will have the materials and protective supports needed to stay safe, as recommended by the CDC,” Bizzarro explained.

“In the face of adversity and uncertainty, it’s imperative that we continue to support those who keep our educational system going and enact measures that help our educators and students bounce back quickly from these challenging times.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for concurrence.