The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) hosted the first Committee on Legislative Action (COLA) meeting of the school year on September 9, 2025, bringing together board members, superintendents, career and technology directors, and business officials to focus on legislative priorities and advocacy efforts.
Dr. Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), joined the group to share updates on PASA’s legislative priorities and ongoing advocacy initiatives in Harrisburg. Drawing on nearly 40 years of experience in public education, Dr. Smith highlighted PASA’s commitment to fair and predictable funding, educator workforce sustainability, and reducing underfunded mandates. She also addressed the ongoing state budget impasse, noting its serious implications for school funding, staffing, and services.
COLA Co-Chair Dr. Greg M. Miller, Superintendent of Fleetwood Area School District, reaffirmed COLA’s role in monitoring legislation and coordinating advocacy, while Co-Chair Mr. Andrew Potteiger presented the 2025–2026 priorities.
COLA 2025-2026 PRIORITIES
STATE LEVEL
• School Safety
– Physical Security and Mental Health Grant Funding
– Future Funding
• Basic Education Funding (BEF) and Special Education Funding (SEF)
• State Mandates
• Charter / Cyber Charter Schools
FEDERAL LEVEL
• Special Education
• Parent Bill of Rights
• Vouchers / School Choice
• E-Rate / Technology
• Medicaid (MH Services)
WATCH LIST
• Alternatives to School Property Tax
• School Choice / Lifeline Scholarships
• Fair Funding Lawsuit
DISCUSSION ITEM
• AI Deepfakes (IBSA)
COLA, facilitated by BCIU Executive Director Dr. Jill Hackman, includes representatives from all 18 Berks County school districts and two career and technology centers. The committee meets three times per year with statewide partners to analyze legislation and shape coordinated advocacy. The next meeting is set for November 18, 2025, with Mr. Kevin Busher, Chief Advocacy Officer of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), as guest presenter.