Causer Comments on Basic Education Funding Report

HARRISBURG – A commission established last year to study the formula for funding basic education in the state’s 500 school districts released its report on Thursday, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

“Education is always a top priority in the General Assembly, and it is important that we fund our schools both adequately and fairly,” Causer said. “I appreciate the work of the commission in studying our existing funding formula and look forward to further review and discussion of the recommendations contained in the report.

“My goal, as always, is to ensure our rural schools have the funding and resources necessary to provide a quality education to our students,” he added.

In its report, the commission recommends a new formula that takes into account several student-based factors, including student population, poverty, English language learners and charter school enrollment. It also includes a “sparsity size adjustment,” which is intended to adjust for the unique challenges facing small rural school districts.

The commission’s report is the result of a year-long study that included input from a wide range of education experts and advocates, as well as parents from urban, suburban and rural school districts. 

To take effect, the recommendations must be adopted by the House and Senate, as well as the governor. Additional information about the recommendations is available at www.pahousegop.com.