Threat of property tax hikes as school funding problem continues in PA
(Harrisburg) — Governor Tom Wolf and legislative Republicans are still grappling with a funding formula for school districts. While all that is going on districts are looking for ways to make up the shortfall.
Governor Tom Wolf says he’s come up with a school funding formula, but GOP leaders are questioning the validity of the plan since the Governor’s veto of the fiscal code that included its own funding blueprint.
Meanwhile school officials are still waiting.
Stacey Thompson, Treasurer for Clarion County’s Keystone district, says some are already making difficult decisions.
“The Department of Education indicated that as of February 8th, 2016, 175 districts have submitted plans to raise taxes above the index of this year,” she said.
The Director of the PA School Boards Association says they’re considering suing the state to get the needed funds.
Districts borrowed over a billion dollars during the nine month budget impasse in order to keep their doors open.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
