This article was originally published in the Reading Eagle:
https://www.readingeagle.com/2024/02/29/superintendents-forum-investment-in-education-opinion/
By: Mr. Andrew Pottieger, Brandywine Heights Area School District
Thursday, February 29, 2024
If you think back on your youth, going to school is probably one of those key memories. From our early experiences in elementary school to in-depth learning experiences in high school, education helped form who we are today.
Education is the cornerstone of our country and a fundamental right for every citizen. As our nation was formed and our Founding Fathers created a democracy that was revolutionary, something the world had never seen before, they also recognized the need for an educated society.
The establishment of a government that is run by the people, a democracy, necessitates that those citizens are educated, understanding general knowledge to preserve the rights and liberties afforded to every citizen in the United States of America and the ability to participate in the democratic education process.
At the earliest stages of our nation, this concept of a government-operated education system was a challenge. The early education systems were either private or had religious affiliations. John Adams was firm in his belief that, “Every rank and class of people, down to the lowest and the poorest” had “to be the care of the public” and “maintained at the public expense.”
That challenge continues today as we wrestle with the most effective way to fund public education to ensure every child in America and, more locally, Pennsylvania has access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of individuals’ socioeconomic background or geographical location within the commonwealth.
On Feb. 7, 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed.
There are 1.7 million students in the 500 public school districts across Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania ranks 45th in the nation for its share of education funding; which, as we all experience, results in local property taxes funding the majority of education expenses.
Pennsylvania has reacted to this lawsuit and has taken some meaningful steps to work toward creating more state ownership in the funding system for education.
Most recently, the 2023-2024 state budget included a $567 million basic education funding increase for Pennsylvania school districts. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget address showed continues support for state education funding, with a proposed 13.62% increase for Basic Education Funding as well as a 3.61% increase for Special Education Funding.
Funding education has become a political challenge, highlight and talking point. It has been criticized, celebrated and has allowed for the profiteering of public tax dollars through institutions such as cyber charter schools.
Amidst these discussions of how to fund education and associated politics, we must not lose sight of the purpose. Education is the backbone of our country and society. In Pennsylvania. Investment in education is beneficial for not only our students, but for the state’s economy, workforce, and overall quality of life. It is an investment in the future prosperity and well-being of the entire commonwealth.
If you are reading this article, you are the beneficiary of a well-rounded education. A free public education for every citizen creates equal opportunity, invests in our future generations and preserves the democratic society upon which our country was founded. For each child sitting in a classroom today, education is the key that will unlock their future potential, create curiosity and personal growth, and ultimately help that child become a productive member of society.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” —Benjamin Franklin