Secretary Rivera Discusses Need for Additional Classroom Resources with South Western School District Officials

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera continued his "Schools That Teach" tour today in York County, where he sat down for a discussion with administrators in the South Western School District to discuss the need for the increased school funding generated through Governor Tom Wolf's proposed severance tax on gas drilling.

"The South Western School District, like many suburban districts in the commonwealth, is continuing the important work of educating its students with dwindling resources and state assistance," Rivera said. "While the South Western School District's administrative team and the local taxpayers have sacrificed to ensure that their students continue to receive a high quality education, they need the additional revenue proposed by Governor Wolf to ensure that they can continue to meet the needs of their students."

In a roundtable discussion, Secretary Rivera heard from administrators about the district's plans to invest in high quality early childhood programs, professional development opportunities and implement innovative learning options.

"South Western was proud to host a visit from Secretary Rivera today. Having the opportunity to talk face to face with the secretary about the budget gave us a clearer understanding of the complexities of the budgeting process as it impacts every school district differently," South Western School District Superintendent Dr. Barbara Rupp said. "The Secretary welcomed our questions and provided insight into the decision-making process in Harrisburg as it relates to assessment, teacher effectiveness, college and career standards, and kindergarten readiness. The meeting was a great opportunity to have meaningful dialog about our favorite subjects--our students and our mutual responsibility to ensure quality education for all."

Investing in high quality early childhood programs, providing opportunities for professional development and implementing hybrid learning programs were among the options provided in a letter Rivera sent to the superintendents of all 500 districts in March to ensure the education funding proposed in Wolf's 2015-2016 budget is spent directly on students in the classrooms, while providing administrators flexibility to invest in programs most needed in their schools.

In the letter, Rivera called on districts to submit plans to ensure this new investment reaches the classroom and to measure results for Pennsylvania's students. Ninety-six percent of Pennsylvania school districts across the commonwealth submitted funding impact plans to the state Department of Education, outlining how the governor's proposed $400 million basic education funding increase will be invested directly in classrooms.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us

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