Scranton board proposes ‘Fair Funding Committee’ to amplify district’s state funding ask

President Holmes opened a discussion proposing that the board establish a Fair Funding Committee to educate the public, coordinate advocacy, and press state lawmakers on the district’s Basic Education Funding allocation. Holmes described the committee’s purpose as creating a consolidated voice to explain ‘‘why we really need it’’ and to amplify constituent engagement, arguing a larger, coordinated campaign could push Harrisburg to act on existing court rulings and funding recommendations.

Board members who spoke in support drew on prior advocacy experience and urged a community‑based approach involving religious organizations, small businesses, and other partners. One member noted that the district’s share of the adequacy gap had been cited earlier in staff slides and estimated a possible $17 million in additional need if the governor’s BEF recommendations were fully realized; members urged preparing clear materials explaining proposed uses of new funds.

The board agreed to form and begin staffing the committee; staff and directors said they would present a charter and next steps in an upcoming meeting for formal approval.