YEADON, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — In a visit to the Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy in Delaware County Thursday, PA State House Democratic leaders told students that their improvement has proven that putting more money in education does affect student outcomes.
It comes nearly two years after a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that the state’s school funding formula was unconstitutional, awarding more funding to school districts with lower property tax bases.
Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy Principal Robert Curry said the extra funding has allowed the district to drastically improve its building.
“Our building level score increased from 56 in the 2022-23 school year to 95 in the 2024-25 school year,” he said.
Superintendent Eric Becoats said the 40% increase in funding for William Penn School District since the 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling is showing results district-wide.
“Eight of our 11 elementary schools met or exceeded growth expectations in math, and eight of our 11 schools met or exceeded growth expectations in English language arts,” he said.
But the superintendent said improvements are still needed to some buildings, like Penn Wood High School, which was built in 1927. An ongoing heating issue has forced students there to be dismissed early and sent home early.
Governor Josh Shapiro gives his budget address in two weeks. State House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris said fair funding isn’t a one-time fix, but is ongoing and expected in future budgets.
“There are those who count you out and don't think you deserve the resources, and they would rather spend it somewhere else,” said Harris. “We're telling you that you do deserve it, and we're fighting for it every day so that you can have it, but I need you to come into this school improve all of those folks to be alive and that you do deserve the resources, and that when you have the opportunity to succeed, you do succeed.”