Scranton receives $2M Ready to Learn grant; BEF Commission recommendations could add about $17.7M if enacted

At the Jan. 22 Budget & Finance Committee meeting, district finance staff announced a $2 million Ready to Learn Block Grant award and reviewed the Basic Education Funding Commission’s recommendations and their potential local impact.

"Senator Flynn's office, Senator Flynn today announced that we will be receiving an additional $2,000,000 in the form of our Ready to Learn Block Grant," Pat Laffey said. He explained Ready to Learn funds have roughly 20 allowable uses and that the additional one‑time dollars could support school counselors, Advanced Placement and cyber‑school programming, freeing unrestricted general‑fund dollars for other uses in 2024.

The committee also discussed the Jan. 11 Basic Education Funding Commission report. Pat Laffey summarized the commission’s recommendations to reduce formula volatility, set adequacy targets and invest in facilities and student supports. He said commission tables suggest an impact on Scranton of about $17.74 million in the first year if the governor and General Assembly adopt the recommendations and fund them as proposed. Board members asked that staff prepare materials showing how a state funding increase of that magnitude could be allocated locally (capital, programming, tax relief or reversal).

Speakers emphasized that adoption of the commission's recommendations is not automatic: any change requires action by the governor and state legislature. The committee asked staff to develop advocacy talking points and example allocations so the board can support state advocacy and plan potential uses of additional funds.