Legislators tell Scranton school board governor's budget would boost district funding under new fair‑funding formula

At the Scranton School District Budget & Finance Committee meeting on April 22, visiting legislators briefed directors on the Basic Education Funding Commission recommendations and the governor's proposed budget, saying the changes could noticeably increase state aid for the district.

"We're finally in a position to make progress," the presenter said, describing the commission's goals—adequacy, equity and sustainability—and the mechanics proposed to reduce volatility in the funding formula. The presenter said the commission recommends using three‑year averages for Census measures and resetting the base for future distributions, and that the governor proposed a record $1.1 billion increase (about 13.6%) in basic education funding.

Why it matters locally: the presenter walked through an example showing how the updated formula and supplements would affect Scranton. Of the governor's proposed formula additions, the district's share of the $200 million annual add‑in to the formula would be about $2.5 million; an adequacy supplement to raise per‑pupil spending to the proposed target would add roughly $12.2 million; and a tax‑equity adjustment would add about $2.8 million. The presenter also noted an increase in Scranton's special education allocation of roughly $576,000 under the proposed changes.

Board members asked how the package could change during negotiations. One director warned that voucher proposals or last‑minute political shifts could reshape the package. The presenter acknowledged that bargaining will be necessary and urged targeted outreach to moderate, swing legislators ahead of votes.

The briefing also summarized program‑level proposals that are part of the governor's plan: $300 million in school facility grants to address asbestos, lead and mold (described in the presentation as a replacement for Plancon reimbursements), a $50 million increase in special education funding statewide, $100 million for school mental health, and funding for after‑school programming, teacher recruitment, and student‑teacher stipends.

Directors said the proposal represents an opportunity but cautioned that it remains a budget proposal and will require negotiation and legislative action to become law. Several directors committed to local advocacy, including attending a planned May 7 demonstration at the Capitol steps in support of "fair funding." The legislators left time for questions and said they would provide additional details to the board for targeted advocacy.

The committee took no formal votes on state budget issues at the meeting and moved on to its internal agenda.