Third Consecutive Year of Adequacy Funding Reaffirms a Shared, Bipartisan Promise to Pennsylvania Students and the Commonwealth’s Constitutional Duty
HARRISBURG — Following passage of Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget, the PA Schools Work Campaign — a coalition of 18 organizations from across the Commonwealth representing thousands of educators, parents, advocates, and community members from urban, rural, and suburban communities — issued the following statement:
“With this budget, lawmakers in both parties once again kept their promise to Pennsylvania’s public school students. For a third straight year, Governor Shapiro and a bipartisan majority in the General Assembly have directed critical adequacy funding to the school districts most affected by decades of underfunding, more proof that closing Pennsylvania’s school funding gap is now a shared, non-negotiable priority.
“This progress reflects a sustained commitment to the Commonwealth’s constitutional obligation to provide every student a thorough and efficient system of public education, regardless of zip code, as directed by the Commonwealth Court.
“The budget includes targeted investments in public education. At its center is $565 million in adequacy and tax equity payments — continuing to honor a responsibility to the Commonwealth’s most underfunded students. The budget pairs that progress with more modest increases of $50 million through the Basic Education Funding formula and $50 million more for special education, alongside support for career and technical education.”
“Pennsylvania is beginning to see what adequacy funding makes possible: smaller class sizes, stronger math and literacy supports, and expanded STEM and other program opportunities. Across rural, urban, and suburban communities, schools are using these resources responsibly to help students reach their full potential, and the results are clear.
“By continuing to direct critical new funding to the districts with the greatest need, lawmakers are demonstrating responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources while meeting a moral and constitutional commitment to Pennsylvania’s kids.
“Our coalition knows there is more work ahead. With a $3.3 billion adequacy gap still to close and nearly 70% of Pennsylvania public school students in districts still struggling with continued adequacy gaps, along with rising inflation and mandated cost increases, we urge lawmakers to build on this momentum and commit to fully closing the adequacy gap in subsequent years, until every district has the resources students need.
“PA Schools Work appreciates Governor Shapiro and leaders from both parties for finding common ground in service of Pennsylvania’s students. Our coalition looks forward to continuing to partner with legislators across the aisle so every public school has the resources students need to thrive.”
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