Harrisburg, PA – Last week, Governor Josh Shapiro visited three public school districts — in Scranton, Pottstown, and Philadelphia — where students, teachers, and school leaders are seeing firsthand the real results of his Administration’s historic investments in K-12 education.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured over $2 billion in additional funding for public schools — the largest investment in Pennsylvania history — and implemented a new funding formula to ensure that every student, in every zip code, has access to a high-quality public education. For the first time ever, the Commonwealth is investing over $11 billion in K-12 education.
Across Pennsylvania, that investment is delivering real results:
- Scranton School District: Nearly $30 million in new funding has restored pre-K, expanded kindergarten, brought back middle school arts and music, launched a new STEMM Academy, and added mental health support staff. At Isaac Tripp Elementary, math and science scores are up, and attendance is improving.
- Pottstown School District: A $10.5 million increase expanded career and technical education (CTE) programs, strengthened support services, and increased access to pre-K and full-day kindergarten. At Pottstown High School, test scores are up across math, science, and English Language Arts (ELA).
- School District of Philadelphia: With $390 million in new funding, the largest district in the Commonwealth expanded its hands-on CTE programs, preparing students for jobs in construction, health care, and technology. At Randolph Technical High School, test scores and graduation rates are on the rise.
Governor Shapiro brought Democrats and Republicans together to begin work to fix Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional school funding system — and his 2025-26 budget proposal continues that work, ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education, no matter their zip code.
Read what educators, legislators, and local leaders are saying about Governor Shapiro’s historic K–12 education investments — and the real results they’re delivering:
Scranton School District Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating: "For too long, districts like Scranton have operated under the weight of historical underfunding — trying to do more with less — while trying to compete with communities that have far greater resources. We applaud your commitment to changing that — your belief that a child’s zip code should not determine the quality of their education — is not only commendable, it is transformative."
Scranton School Board President Ty Holmes: "When more money is set aside for the public school system, it creates a domino effect. We can afford to hire more staff to support our growing population, we can add programs that benefit the growth of our students inside and outside of the classroom, and we can improve our existing infrastructure. When schools are adequately and equitably funded, administrators and directors like me can make sure our students have the best opportunities to learn and grow, and our teachers have the resources they need to facilitate that growth."
Pottstown School District Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez: "Governor Shapiro's currently proposed budget, and his steadfast commitment to correct the decade or more of seriously underfunded urban districts, makes a huge difference for our students and our community. On behalf of our entire district, I would like to thank him for being a champion of the children, schools, and families of Pennsylvania."
School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington: “We’re pleased to have our Governor with us as he seeks to make sure that these kind of programs proliferate across the Commonwealth. This is a school district that’s working hard to get student attendance rates up, test scores up, the graduation rate up, and the dropout rate down. We are absolutely certain that these improvements will result in more of our young people graduating both college and career ready.”
Arthur G. Steinberg, President of AFT Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers: “Educators who are responsible for the learning and growth of students in schools like A. Phillip Randolph are grateful for last year's historic increase in funding provided by Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly, while agreeing that much more is needed to meet the Constitutional mandate as ordered by the Court. The 36,000 educators we represent urge lawmakers to keep the momentum going and pass Governor Shapiro's budget, which would increase funding in traditional and CTE schools and ensure our students receive the education and training they need to become skilled unionized workers or pursue higher education.”
Senator Marty Flynn: "Across our region and the entire Commonwealth, we are seeing the impact of putting real resources behind our public schools. Governor Shapiro's first two budgets delivered the largest K-12 education funding increase in state history. Pennsylvania is now investing more than $11 billion dollars annually, with $2 billion dollars in new funding already committed. This year's budget builds on that progress with an additional $526 million through a fairer, bipartisan funding formula. When we invest in our students, support our teachers, and make school buildings safer and stronger, we set the foundation for long-term success. These improvements are not abstract. They are visible in higher attendance, better outcomes, and stronger communities. I am proud to work alongside Governor Shapiro to make sure every child in Pennsylvania has the opportunity to grow and succeed."
Senator Vincent Hughes: "While we watch our federal, Republican colleagues make disastrous decisions, we cannot lose sight of what's important to the people of Pennsylvania and the future of our Commonwealth. Education and the success of our students and teachers has always been a top priority for me. I'm proud to have worked with Governor Shapiro and my fellow lawmakers in the Senate and House to bring historic funding to our public schools and continue the fight to fully fix Pennsylvania's unconstitutional education funding system."
Representative Joe Ciresi: “The Governor’s commitment to properly funding public education has made a remarkable difference in the Pottstown community. We’ve seen test scores improve, and the student experience as a whole has gotten better. We need to continue this path of investing in public education to make sure every child has an equal opportunity.”
Representative Roni Green: “For too long too many kids were left behind by a broken school funding system, but those days are over. We are investing in every kid and every school like Randolph Career and Tech and Mercy Tech and building a better future for our communities. I’m ready to stand with Governor Shapiro to keep fighting for equitable funding, safer school buildings, and helping every kid reach their potential.”
Representative Bridget Kosierowski: "I'm eternally grateful to Governor Shapiro for coming to Scranton and continuing to invest in the foundation of our future, which is the public education system under his leadership. It's historic: over $11 billion annually in K-12 education, and a $2 billion increase during his Administration alone. He's delivered free breakfast for over 1.7 million students, expanded career and technical education, and helped certify more teachers in the last seven years than ever before — which we all need. This is what progress looks like, and here in Scranton, we are seeing it firsthand. Thank you, Governor Shapiro, for showing up, for listening and for delivering. Let's keep building a future where every child has the care, the tools, and the opportunity to succeed."
See what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro’s historic K–12 education investments — and the real results they’re delivering:
WVIA: Shapiro highlights Scranton School District's success, progress due to more state funding
The Times-Tribune: Shapiro visits Scranton school, touts education funding success
The Daily Item: Shapiro, in visit to Scranton: 'Invest in those school kids'
WNEP: Governor Shapiro discusses historic education funding in Scranton
WBRE: Governor Shapiro spotlights impact of education funding
WOLF: Governor Shapiro visits Scranton elementary school highlighting budget proposal
The Mercury: In Pottstown, Shapiro makes ‘full court press’ for education funding
KYW Newsradio: Shapiro touts proposed education budget at Randolph Technical High School
The Philadelphia Tribune: In Philly visit, Gov. Shapiro vows to not 'backfill' federal budget cuts
The Tribune-Democrat: Shapiro says Pa. can't afford to 'backfill' cuts proposed in Congress
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