Analysts are breaking down the numbers from Governor Tom Wolf’s budget address on Tuesday and one of the standout numbers being scrutinized is the funding for basic education.
Wolf is asking for an increase of almost $442 million in funding for schools this year, which would be a massive bump going to school districts across the state. However, $242 million is funding that was formerly channeled through the Ready to Learn block grant program, which is no longer operating. The actual increase in basic education dollars therefore is $200 million
When the numbers are broken down, Indiana County’s seven school districts would see modest increases in funding this year. Indiana Area would receive 2.22 percent more; Homer Center, 2.2 percent; Marion Center, 1.54 percent; Blairsville-Saltsburg, 1.31 percent; Purchase Line, 1.3 percent; United, .94 percent; and Penns Manor, .87 percent.
Pennsylvania contributes only 37 percent of the funding for local schools, which is one of the lowest rates in the nation. Local school property taxes are the major source of school funding, with property owners paying 56 percent of a school district’s budget each year.
