PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pennsylvania’s education secretary testified Tuesday that the state was not satisfied that Black and economically disadvantaged students go to post-secondary programs at half the rate of white students.
State Education Secretary Noe Ortega took the witness stand in the ongoing school funding trial in Commonwealth Court.
The suit claims Pennsylvania’s school funding system is inadequate and inequitable, forcing poor school districts to rely too much on local property taxes.
Ortega testified the state is falling about 10% short of its goal to have 60% of its residents with a college degree or a postsecondary credential by 2025.
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Ortega said on direct examination that his department was not satisfied that Black and economically disadvantaged students enroll and complete college or a post-secondary program at half the rates that whites do.
He said the department believes that Pennsylvania’s system of funding K-12 education leads to those imbalances.
Asked whether the department believed the disparities in college attendance and attainment could be overcome without increased school funding, Ortega replied, “It would be difficult.”
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Ortega was called as a witness by petitioners who are suing his office and state legislative leaders.
The plaintiffs include six school districts, four parents and two organizations.
Philadelphia is not among the petitioners, but the school board has adopted a resolution supporting the suit.
The case has been heard in Commonwealth Court since November and is expected to last several more weeks.
