Circuit riders spread message of school funding formula

(Harrisburg) — A group of mostly former school superintendents is taking to the road to get their message out about school funding.

The circuit riders, as they’re calling themselves, hope to educate others about how the state distributes money to school districts.

For example, Jim Buckheit, executive director for the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, says some midstate districts aren’t getting the funds they need.

“Districts in York County, Lancaster County, southern Adams County, that have seen dramatic growth in the last 10, 15 years, they’ve gotten very little additional money, even though their enrollments may have doubled.”

A “hold harmless” clause takes some of the blame because it essentially keeps funding at high levels for districts that have shed students.

Districts that have lost enrollment argue they have fixed costs like building maintenance.

A grant from the William Penn Foundation is paying for the circuit riders’ road trip.

As a note of disclosure, the foundation is a financial supporter of StateImpact Pennsylvania.