State must fund public education
In recent weeks, I have heard from many constituents who had much to say about the governor’s education reform proposal. Their main concern is how the plan would siphon additional funding from Pennsylvania’s public schools.
Education of Pennsylvania’s children must be a top priority, if we as a Commonwealth are going to continue to move forward economically and technologically, and compete internationally. Pennsylvania is fortunate to have both public and private educational opportunities, which provide parents the ability to choose what type of education they want for their child. Having these choices is important and I continue to support efforts to ensure that all manner of educational opportunities remain available.
I do, however, believe that in the case of education reforms, the governor just doesn’t get it. Under his proposal, public schools already reeling from recent state cuts would again be hit with diminished funding. Further cuts would place school districts in economic peril.
I support efforts to find new sources to restore funding for Pennsylvania’s public school system. I voted against the state budget because I believe that education funding should be a priority. Additionally, I believe that the funding formula should be equalized so that every student is afforded the same quality of education and so that education of Pennsylvania’s students isn’t determined by relative wealth, or lack thereof, in any given school district.
I support private and parochial schools and have voted for the creation and expansion of the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, but believe that for myriad reasons, vouchers will not help many students in Southwestern Pennsylvania, because of the rural nature of the region.
Unlike in the bigger cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, not every student has easy access to a private school and not all parents have the wherewithal to drive their child to school every day. Additionally, private schools are not required to take every student who applies. This strikes at the fundamental tenant that we as legislators representing the Commonwealth have to legislate for the common good of all citizens.
Cyber charter schools are another great opportunity for parental choice, but further draw funding from local school districts.
Pennsylvania’s Constitution requires that “The General Assembly provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth.”
This year’s state budget cuts have taken a toll on local school districts — there are larger class sizes, teacher layoffs and fewer programs. Even with these cutbacks, there may be local property tax increases looming.
I believe that in Southwestern Pennsylvania, all of our children deserve access to a solid and free public education that will help them succeed in the future. This does not detract from the value of private, parochial or cyber schools, nor should parental choice be shortchanged in the equation.
To educate the future it takes good teachers, dedication of the family, support from the state and access to new textbooks and educational materials. If we remove one of those supports, we begin to chip away at our future — one student at a time.
State Rep. Peter J. Daley represents the 49th legislative district, which includes parts of Fayette and Washington counties.