In 2024, the General Assembly enacted an updated funding formula for the Ready to Learn Block Grant that included an adequacy supplement and a tax equity supplement.

Pennsylvania’s adequacy supplement was publicized as an effort to address long-standing inequities in school funding. However, the actual impact and fairness of the formula across all districts, particularly rural districts and growing districts, remains a subject of debate and scrutiny. Addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and ensuring that the formula truly benefits all students is an ongoing challenge for Pennsylvania lawmakers.

Unfortunately, the formula as enacted contains factors that unfairly penalize certain school districts that have an adequacy gap and are experiencing enrollment growth. For example, in my district, Cumberland Valley School District (CVSD) has been calculated by the formula to have a $30 million adequacy gap, yet provisions in the formula result in zero state support in addressing CVSD’s adequacy gap. As one of the fastest growing counties in PA, our schools population growth reflects that, but the formula penalizes us for it. Several other school districts across the Commonwealth have also been penalized by these provisions.

The state has undertaken a significant financial commitment in prioritizing adequacy funding for school districts, yet there is a disconnect between the state's initiative and the reality facing many districts.

My legislation will remove provisions in the adequacy supplement calculation that unfairly penalize school districts like CVSD. 

Please join me in cosponsoring this bill.  Pennsylvania's future depends on ensuring every district, including Cumberland Valley, receives the resources necessary to provide the thorough and efficient education our constitution demands.