PSEA commends governor for continued investment in education

An increase in state funds for the 2010-11 fiscal year is critical to achieve Pennsylvania’s goal of strong schools, successful children and vibrant communities.

PSEA President Jim Testerman praised the $354 million increase for public schools proposed today by Gov. Ed Rendell. “By requesting an increase in funding for public schools, the Governor is keeping faith with the Commonwealth’s commitment to meet funding targets in all Pennsylvania school districts, so that all students have the tools they need for academic success,” Testerman said.

“Over the last few years, Pennsylvania has made significant progress,” said Testerman. “Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation in which students recorded gains in all academic categories from 2002-08. Our students’ reading and math scores are among the best in the nation for the years in which they are tested; and more Pennsylvania students are going to college than ever before. Continued investments in education are necessary to keep us on this track”

Gov. Rendell delivered his annual budget proposal with a speech to the General Assembly at the state Capitol today. Testerman urged the General Assembly to implement the third year of the funding formula established by Act 61 of 2008, noting that continued investments are critical in order for Pennsylvania’s school districts to continue their record of success and to meet academic goals set by the state and federal governments.

Testerman also commended the Governor’s call for a Stimulus Transition Reserve Fund to enable Pennsylvania to wisely budget for the future. Testerman also noted that PSEA understands the seriousness of funding challenges related to public employee pensions. He reiterated PSEA’s willingness to work with the Governor and members of the General Assembly to develop responsible solutions.

PSEA supports continued state investment in education, in keeping with the Association’s 20/20 Vision for the Future report, released in January 2010. Available online at www.psea.org/vision, 20/20 Vision outlines clear strategies in four areas:

• Full and fair state funding for public education;
• Proven, research-based strategies for increasing student achievement;
• Teaching and learning conditions that make student achievement possible; and
• Support and respect for education professionals in order to recruit and retain a quality workforce into the future.
  

Additional information about the state budget will be posted at www.psea.org/schoolfunding and www.savepaschools.org.