Harrisburg, PA – As students across the Commonwealth return to school, Governor Josh Shapiro visited school districts throughout Pennsylvania to meet with students, teachers, and legislators and celebrate the investments in K-12 public education secured in the 2024-25 budget — including a historic $1.1 billion in total increases in funding.
Governor Shapiro met with students, teachers, principals, administrators, and mascots at school districts throughout Pennsylvania, including Central Dauphin, East Penn, Highlands, Morrisville, and Reading. They are benefitting from substantial new investments secured by Governor Shapiro and a bipartisan group of legislators – and praising the Governor and leaders in Harrisburg for delivering these historic investments.
Read what School District Superintendents are saying about these investments in their schools:
Central Dauphin School District Superintendent Eric Turman: "Central Dauphin School District is grateful to Governor Shapiro and state legislators for the increase in basic education funding included in this year's budget. As the fastest growing district in Dauphin County and the most diverse, this funding will allow us to bring resources to our students that will help support academics, safety, and their overall mental health. Boosts in revenue can help close the educational gap. We are keenly focused on the wealth disparity in the district, and we educate many students from families living below the poverty line. One aspect of the new school year that brings us pride is being able to provide a meal for all students in our district.”
East Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell: “The state budget that was signed by Governor Shapiro represents a significant investment of financial resources that are going to support our students here in East Penn and schools across the Commonwealth. Specifically, the new adequacy formula is a marked step forward in equitably funding Pennsylvania schools. These funds will create enhanced and equitable opportunities for all students here at East Penn.”
Highlands School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cathleen Cubelic: “Over the course of my 30-year career, I've had the privilege of working with educators across Pennsylvania who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their students, often in the face of limited resources and support — their dedication and tireless efforts to provide a quality education, nurturing environment, and guidance to their students has truly been inspiring. This dynamic has never been more evident than here at Highlands, and with the generous support and foresight of the Commonwealth — Highlands School District is positioned to embark on a journey that will transform our students' futures.”
Morrisville Borough School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Doster “The passage of the 2024-25 budget means additional dollars for staff, books, and safety and security measures for student; increases in basic education funding; investments in student mental health and free breakfast for our students; and increases in special education funding, cyber charter reimbursement, student health, and early childhood learning. Our district is very grateful for these dollars, and it is my honor to say thank you to our Governor and our elected officials for all their efforts and making education funding a priority. It is our wish that these efforts and increases in funding continue into the future to further advance the ability of PA public schools – and specifically here at Morrisville – to create dynamic environments that meet the needs and challenge all of our learners and our school.”
Reading School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Murray: "The new adequacy formula is a game-changer for the Reading School District, directing essential dollars to public schools that need them most. We are grateful to Governor Shapiro and our state legislators for their commitment to closing the educational funding gap in Pennsylvania. As a traditionally underfunded district, the Reading School District welcomes this unprecedented support. These investments represent a critical step toward educational equity, and we are eager to witness the positive impact on our students and educators. We are deeply appreciative to Governor Shapiro, Secretary Mumin, Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Mark Rozzi, Representative Manuel Guzman Jr., and Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz for their unwavering leadership and their commitment to doing what is right for our kids."
Read what teachers are saying about these investments in their schools:
Central Dauphin Middle School teacher Kim Pearl: “With the passage of the state budget this year, educators from all over the state can take pride in Governor Shapiro's leadership in guiding Pennsylvania's legislators to come together to ensure equity and funding for students across Pennsylvania. We rely on state funding to support so many of the opportunities we provide for our students. All of these opportunities should be available to every student in Pennsylvania, regardless of their zip code. Fair funding for public schools is an important step in ensuring equity for our children.”
Emmaus High School teacher Eric Luckenbill: “I would not where I am today without the support and quality of public schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — my public school upbringing gave me a platform and preparation to succeed in college and prepare for my career here at Emmaus High School. My wife Heidi is a public school teacher as well, and we are raising our two children, Matthew and Hannah, in public schools. The support of public education from Governor Shapiro, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and in communities around our state allows educators, like myself, to spend our time sharing with our passions — like mine for American history and government — with our students.”
Highlands High School teacher Michelle Dickerson: “Schools really are the center of a community. They bring people together — it’s where you meet your friends and our families make connections. They give us a mascot and someone to cheer for on the stage and on the field. They provide our children with their first opportunities to prepare for their next chapter. A true commitment to public schools is multifaceted — not only is it the dollars and the cents that are dedicated to schools across the Commonwealth, but is also the time, energy and passion that educators pour into their students and schools. Public education thrives when policymakers, administrators, teachers, staff, families, and communities all commit to support our schools and strive to provide the resources necessary for all students.”
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School teacher Elizabeth Glaum-Lathbury: “As a teacher, it's important to me to give our students experiences that maybe they wouldn't have access to outside of our building. The increased funding in the 2024-25 budget will certainly be put to good use by all of our teachers, and of course, all teachers across the Commonwealth. I’m grateful for this historic support for students by our Governor and the General Assembly.”
Read what students are saying about these investments in their schools:
Central Dauphin Middle School student Heidi Bertsch: “The teachers, principals, and staff members at Central Dauphin Middle School have played a pivotal role in shaping my life, providing guidance, support, and a caring environment for me to learn in. They have taught me life lessons, including perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of curiosity. They have provided me with many opportunities, like sports clubs and other community services.”
Emmaus High School student Mariam Mahmoud: “I've had the pleasure of meeting countless remarkable people whose support has shaped my high school experience. This includes not only some of my closest friends and peers, but also my teachers who have shaped me into who I am today. Their encouragement has been nothing short of extraordinary. Emmaus High School has given me the space and resources to explore my passions. I'm excited to continue this journey as I pursue a pre-med major in college.”
Highlands High School student Agastya Narang: “Being born in India, there was always a sense of family and community. When I left India in 2017, I was not only leaving behind my school, but also a way of life. On the first day of school, I had no friends, no family except my parents, and no idea what I was doing in a country I used to dream of being. I didn't even know who Michael Jordan was. But, from that moment on, I knew that I wanted this, but it wouldn't be without the unlimited support that I received from the students, teachers, and administrators here at Highlands, who spent countless hours to make sure students like me feel welcome. We have to reach for the stars, because even if we stumble, then we land on the moon.”
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School student Laila Waters: “It is an honor to introduce Governor Josh Shapiro, who has worked with our General Assembly to make sure students across the Commonwealth, such as me, and all students have access to great public education and opportunities to get us started for where we want to go with our careers and our futures.”
Reading Senior High School student Jose Martinez: “Today, we celebrate the actions taken by our leaders to fund public schools in the Reading School District. For me, this funding means more access to resources like mental health supporters, more teachers, tutoring, and field trips. This funding will also enhance the programming at our new STEM school, which is something I'm interested in attending in the coming school year.”
Read what an education advocate and elected officials are saying about these investments:
Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, senior attorney at The Public Interest Law Center in Philadelphia: “The legislation that was passed that we're here to celebrate — that was passed on a bipartisan basis — starts with answering the most foundational question a school funding system should have: ‘What do our children need to be successful? While this year's money is critical, we have billions of dollars to go with children that don't have the luxury to wait a decade for us to get this right, and with school leaders who need to know they will have the funds so that they can plan on how to build out the schools for students. We celebrate today, and then we need to double down — committing to finishing the job so that every child can go to a Pennsylvania public school with resources the Constitution requires.”
House Majority Education Committee Chairman Representative Peter Schweyer: “This year House Democrats fought alongside Governor Shapiro with one singular goal: to reimagine the way we pay for public schools, so we make sure every kid in every school has a chance to succeed — and we got it done. I'm a dad with two kids in Allentown city schools so I see what happens when our students get the same resources and opportunities, and our historic investments in schools like Allentown and Reading, and Wilkes-Barre and Lancaster, are a pathway to a better future for our kids and our entire commonwealth."
Senator Steve Santarsiero: “I want the thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership in Harrisburg to get this significant increase in education funding done. Because we talk a lot about numbers in Harrisburg, but he understands that those numbers are represented in the faces of these students and teachers here today.”
Senator Judy Schwank: "Every student in Pennsylvania deserves access to quality public education. In July, we successfully worked across party lines to pass a state budget that delivers historic increases in K-12 education funding, provides stipends for student teachers, and makes significant investments in essential school-based health services. These are achievements we can all be proud of, and I am confident they will make a difference in the Reading School District and beyond."
Senator Nick Miller: “I’d like to thank Governor Shapiro for his commitment to students, not just here in the Lehigh Valley, but across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We recently passed a budget with a historical investment in education, meeting the moment after the recent court ruling. As a former school board member, I saw firsthand the realities of underfunded school districts, whether it’s classrooms with mold or asbestos or lack air conditioning. This budget includes $100 million to help remediate and repair our schools, as well as $130 million for workforce development. Our students need to be prepared for the careers of tomorrow, in industries like advanced manufacturing, robotics, and machinery. These investments are providing our students the tools to grow their skills for their future careers.”
Representative Justin Fleming: “The General Assembly and Shapiro Administration took an important step in providing record funding for public education in the latest budget. This acknowledges the shortfall in funding, and the directive from the Commonwealth Court to provide a ‘thorough and efficient’ education for every Pennsylvania child. While this funding will help, there is plenty of work to do to ensure that children in the Central Dauphin School District and across the Commonwealth receive the funding they deserve.”
Representative Manny Guzman: “I can attest to Governor Shapiro’s steady commitment to education. He has made history by implementing effective solutions and displaying a solid approach. Under Shapiro’s leadership, we have created a strong foundation for equality in education. For years, the legislature failed to address the funding disparities that existed in public education across Pennsylvania. Under Governor Shapiro, we’ve finally begun to address those disparities and meet our constitutional obligation to ensure every child has the same opportunity regardless of their address or financial background.”
Representative Patty Kim: “Excellent schooling can only exist where there is proper funding to support it, and that’s what this budget delivers to schools all over Pennsylvania. Historic investments this year empower every child with better-paid teachers, modern technology, and strong buildings and classrooms. This budget is more than a piece of legislation – it provides the tools for a better future for all.”
Representative Dave Madsen: "Today at Central Dauphin Middle School, I witnessed the tangible results of our historical investment in education. Thanks to this year’s funding, schools across the district are now better equipped to support every student’s success. Central Dauphin's commitment to providing free breakfast and lunch to all students is just one example of how our efforts are already making a meaningful difference in children's lives."
Representative Jim Prokopiak: “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership in shepherding through a divided legislature a bipartisan budget that invests in our students, our communities, and our taxpayers. The $1.1 billion dollar increase in education funding is a necessary first step to ensure that we fulfill our constitutional duty to fund public education and will allow all of our students to pursue the American dream, while also working to reduce the burden on property owners.”
Representative Mandy Steele: “The $1.1 billion increase for education funding in the bipartisan budget we crafted this year is strong evidence that Democrats and Republicans can actually get stuff done when we work together. Under the leadership of Governor Shapiro, all of Pennsylvania’s public school students are in good hands, including students here at Highlands High School.”
See what Pennsylvanians are reading about Governor Shapiro’s K-12 public education investments:
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Gov. Josh Shapiro touts education spending
Reading Eagle: State’s investments in public education celebrated in Reading by Gov. Shapiro
CBS21: Gov. Shapiro highlights education investments during bill signing at Central Dauphin
WFMZ69: Shapiro signs historic 'Back to School Bill' at Emmaus High School
Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan budget is a continuation of his focus on bringing people together to get stuff done – and it puts forth a bold vision to create opportunity for all Pennsylvanians. For more information on how the 2024-25 budget will create opportunity for Pennsylvanians, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.
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