Local advocate to press legislators for education adequacy funding; says Boyertown still owed $10.4 million

Donna Usavage, speaking during the board’s public comment period on April 28, said she will attend a public education advocacy day in Harrisburg on May 6 and invited input from board members as she meets state legislators.

‘‘I will have an opportunity to meet with some of our legislators along with other constituents to communicate our passion for public education,’’ Usavage said. She described the advocacy as focused on Pennsylvania’s public education adequacy funding, which she characterized as a multi‑year plan to address long‑standing state funding shortfalls. Usavage said Boyertown has received $2.9 million so far and is still owed $10.4 million under the adequacy funding plan she cited.

Usavage urged the board to identify priorities she should carry to legislators, citing needs such as full-day kindergarten expansion, paraprofessional support, ELL intervention, coaching counselors and measures to limit the local tax increase. She invited board members and community members to contact her with suggested messages.

The board did not take action on the request; the superintendent welcomed information the speaker could share and said staff would follow up as appropriate.