June 13, 2024 Policy Hearing Takeaways
| Democrats’ Education Scheme Fails to Fund Students June 13th – Crestwood High School – Hosted by Rep. Ryncavage |
The Commonwealth Court determined that Pennsylvania’s educational funding must be reconsidered, and now the legislature is tasked with reforming public education funding throughout the state. Democrats offered an 87-page bill, rammed it through the legislature, and now believe their work to be done. Republicans know that funding a student’s education requires the input of our schools, parents, and taxpayers. To craft well-informed legislation and empower Pennsylvania’s students the Republican Policy Committee traveled to Crestwood High School to hear directly from our communities. Republicans will continue to work towards a funding plan that supports all students without placing an undue burden on our taxpayers or our school districts.
| ~ Agenda, Bios, & Testimony ~ |
Key Takeaways:
John Macri
President, Crestwood School Board
| • | HB2370 favors two classes of schools – Large city schools & lower-income schools. | |
| • | There are NO metrics within HB2370 to hold schools accountable. No reporting on spending, nor results to show student improvements. | |
| • | HB2370 penalizes Crestwood $12 million over 7 years. | |
| • | Crestwood has already raised taxes 10 of the last 11 years! |
Richard Nardone
Finance Director, Crestwood School Board
| • | District health care costs are the primary driver of year-to-year cost increases. | ||||||||||
| • | HB2370 rewards school districts that operate inefficiently. | ||||||||||
| • | Rural school districts cannot consolidate to reduce costs. Geography determines where consolidation can occur, and it is not possible for the entirety of the state. | ||||||||||
| • | Crestwood School District is efficient and successful, yet is punished by HB2370:
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Danielle Petroski
Parent
| • | Surrounding school districts have received more funding and opportunity than Crestwood. | |
| • | Financial concerns have increased class sizes, cut teachers, limited extracurriculars, impacted the library, and stalled arts programs. | |
| • | Older school districts, like Crestwood, should have infrastructure needs considered when the legislature discusses school funding. | |
| • | High school property taxes, and inflation, require both parents to work full-time. |
In Case You Missed It:
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| “We want the best possible funding for all of our students.” — Rep. Alec Ryncavage — |
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| WATCH |
| “This bill [HB2370] penalizes taxpayers and smaller school districts.” — John Macri — President, Crestwood School Board |
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| WATCH |
| “At Crestwood’s expense, dollars are being allocated to other districts.” — Richard Nardone — Finance Director, Crestwood School Board |
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| WATCH |
| “It is not fair for the only answer to be ‘raise the taxes’.” — Danielle Petroski — Parent |
Watch the Testimony:
6/13 Full Hearing: Democrats’ Education Scheme Fails to Fund Students
John Macri - President, Crestwood School Board
Richard Nardone - Finance Director, Crestwood School Board
Danielle Petroski - Parent
Questions for the Testifiers