School funding plan passes House

HARRISBURG — A plan introduced by state Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, that would help fund growing schools in his district was adopted in the House on Jan 15. The legislation (H.R. 460) would create a commission to examine the data derived from the state Board of Education’s costing-out study of public education in Pennsylvania. The commission would offer recommendations on changing the current system for funding public education. The study results were released in November. The commission would have four primary goals, including ensuring that: • State funds for basic education are distributed adequately and equitably; • State funding addresses unique characteristics among districts, including changes in demography and needs of students; • State funding is linked with measures of accountability; and • School districts remain accountable for meeting state academic standards and attaining student proficiency. The 41-member commission would include members of the General Assembly, cabinet secretaries, school board directors, classroom teachers and parents of students enrolled in public schools, as well as education experts and members of child advocacy organizations.