HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania schools will receive $665 million in new funding after a months-long state budget impasse was resolved, averting potential school closures and program cuts. The funding agreement, reached after significant delays, provides critical financial relief to districts across the state.
The budget standoff had placed significant strain on several school districts, including William Penn School District in Delaware county and Morrisville School District in Bucks County. Both districts had warned of possible closures if a resolution wasn’t reached before the new year.
“This impasse showed us just how fragile our planning can be without timely state support,” said Eric Becoats, William Penn’s superintendent, in a statement. “We cannot operate in uncertainty. our educators, students, and families need stability to thrive.”
William Penn School Board President Monique Boykins called the budget a “welcome relief” but added, “it is unfair to put this burden on districts.” William Penn was the lead plaintiff in a recent education-funding lawsuit and relies heavily on state funding.
Morrisville Superintendent Andrew Doster had set a deadline of January 30 for potential school closures if a budget deal hadn’t materialized before winter break. He expressed “a huge sense of relief” at the agreement, anticipating state payments to begin flowing in January.
To manage the financial uncertainty, Doster had delayed payments to charter schools and vendors, scrutinizing even essential purchases like classroom supplies, copy paper, and winter salt. The district also postponed filling classroom vacancies, relying on long-term substitutes instead of full-time hires with benefits.
While the new funding alleviates immediate concerns, Doster indicated the district will continue to prioritize essential positions only and anticipates the impact of the impasse will influence future budget planning. “I have to have this in the back of my mind as we work on next year’s budget. We cannot be at the mercy of the state and jeopardize our ability to keep students in classrooms,” he said.
Doster warned that the situation could lead to larger class sizes, fewer support staff, and reduced programming. “There’s a net outcome to all this,” he stated.