Make it four for four for Gov. Josh Shapiro.
In each of the Democrat’s first three years in office, Shapiro has called for significant boosts in state funding for public education — asking for billion-dollar increases each time.
And when he gave his annual budget address to the state Legislature last week, he called for a hike for the fourth straight year.
The governor has called on the Legislature to continue to tackle closing a funding gap in the state where schools in poor areas have far fewer resources than those in wealthy areas.
That has occurred through an adequacy funding formula, which directs new state funding to districts most in need. The money, provided through Ready to Learn Block Grants, is a response to a 2023 Commonwealth Court decision that declared the state’s funding system is inadequate, inequitable and unconstitutional.
On Tuesday, Shapiro called for a $565 million increase in that funding.
“We’ve invested a record amount of money in public education, and created a brand-new formula that drives that money out to the schools that need it most,” he said. “And we pledged to keep doing it until we meet our obligation set forth in Article 3, Section 14 of our state Constitution, which guarantees every Pennsylvanian access to a ‘thorough and efficient system of public education.’”
Shapiro is also calling for increases to two other streams of state funding to school districts, though not nearly at the same level. He is asking that basic education funding — the main stream of state support for schools — be increased by $50 million, and a $50 million increase for special education funding.
Berks impact
The governor’s proposal would bring an additional $41 million in funding to Berks County schools — more than half of which would go to the Reading School District.
The bulk of the new funding would come through Ready to Learn Block Grants, which Shapiro is calling to go up by just over $35.4 million in Berks.
Basic education funding would increase by just over $2.7 million, while special education would get a nearly $2.9 million boost.
Reading would see a total of just over $28.7 million in state funding. Most of that — about $25.6 million — would be in Ready to Learn Block Grant increases.
In total, the governor’s budget calls for more than $322 million in state funding for Reading.
Other Berks schools would see more modest funding increases. Four districts would each get more than a million dollars in increased Ready to Learn Block Grant funding.
Muhlenberg would receive a $7.4 million increase; Wilson would see a $1.9 million increase; Gov. Mifflin would see a $1.6 million increase; and Boyertown would see a $1.4 million increase.
Berks reactions
Local education leaders expressed gratitude for Shapiro’s support.
“We applaud the efforts Gov. Shapiro and his administration have made in meeting the state’s obligation to educate our children,” Antietam Superintendent Dr. Timothy Matlack said. “The recent investments have resulted in grant support for replacing our flooded middle-senior high school.”
Matlack said equity funding also has helped his district address other issues such as replacing older math and literacy resources.
“The governor’s call to continue closing the gaps in funding for districts like Antietam is a welcome one,” he said. “While money alone does not solve problems, a lack of adequate funding absolutely creates problems.”
Matlack recognized Shapiro for his calls to invest in special education and career and technology education.
He said he hopes the Legislature supports Shapiro’s education funding plan.
“Our hope is that the difficult work of reconciling the proposal is a top priority and that, for the sake of everyone across the commonwealth, we have a final budget by July that allows schools to adequately plan to meet the needs of the children we serve,” he said.
Daniel Boone Superintendent Thomas Voelker said the budget proposal continue to prove Shapiro’s support of education.
“Gov. Shapiro has been working with legislators to develop a new funding formula aimed at increasing support for quality public education,” he said. “His latest budget proposal continues to demonstrate commitment, both in words and financial backing, to Pennsylvania’s public schools.”
Voelker added that while state funding isn’t the only source of revenue for school districts, it is an important one.
“It is important to remember that school districts receive funding from a combination of local, state and federal sources,” he said. “In Berks County, almost all districts rely heavily on local funds, and we are acutely aware of how any tax increase impacts our communities. Additional state funding helps alleviate this burden, bringing us closer to closing our budget deficit.”
Voelker stressed that the governor’s proposal isn’t a done deal.
“There are still differing perspectives on how the state will generate revenue to support these expenditures, which could present obstacles to implementing the proposed budget,” he said. “We remain hopeful for collaborative solutions despite these challenges, understanding how complex these discussions are for all stakeholders.
“While the proposed state funding offers much-needed relief, identifying sustainable revenue sources is essential for long-term progress.”
Hamburg Superintendent Dr. Christopher Beissel said that while his district doesn’t see big boosts in funding in the governor’s proposal, he supports Shapiro’s efforts to bolster education.
“Hamburg Area School District is not expecting significant increases in our basic education and special education funding based on the proposed budget, but we appreciate present levels of funding being maintained,” he said. “Additionally, we are hopeful that there is further consideration for cyber charter tuition reform that will ultimately save both the district and our taxpayers money.”
Dr. Jill Hackman, executive director of the Berks County Intermediate Unit, said she is encouraged by the budget’s attention to early childhood education.
The proposal includes a $10 million increase for child care recruitment and retention; a $7.5 million increase for Pre-K Counts; and a $2 million increase for Head Start.
“The proposed funding reflects the essential role education plays in fostering opportunity, stability and community well-being,” she said. “As the budget advances through the legislative process, we recognize the importance of thoughtful review, dialogue and careful consideration of fiscal sustainability. These discussions are essential to ensuring that education investments are both effective and enduring.”
Hackman said the BCIU remains committed to supporting policies and funding decisions that advance access and long-term success for students and communities.
“And we are hopeful the final budget will reflect a shared commitment to the future of Berks County and the commonwealth,” she said.
