Harrisburg, PA – This week, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Vare-Washington Elementary School in Philadelphia and Gateway High School in Allegheny County to highlight historic investments in education secured in the 2026-27 budget, continuing his Administration’s work to ensure every student, in every community, has access to a high-quality public education.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for our schools by more than $3 billion – or 35 percent – since the Governor took office, for a total of $11.85 billion invested into Pennsylvania’s students this year. The 2026-27 budget builds on that progress, providing an overall increase in education funding for a total of more than $678 million, and continues funding for school infrastructure improvements, universal free breakfast, and mental health in schools.
The Governor’s continued, historic investments give every Pennsylvania student the freedom to chart their own course — ensuring schools have the resources they need to help students succeed and families have access to affordable early learning opportunities.
Read what Pennsylvania’s elected leaders are saying about historic investments in education secured in the 2026-27 budget:
Senator Jay Costa, Minority Democratic Leader, PA’s 43rd Senate District: “The 2026-27 Pennsylvania Budget made historic investments in our students and educators, and I am so proud of the leadership of Governor Shapiro as we held the line on public school funding this year. From adequacy investments to special education funding to career and technical education and beyond, this budget will directly improve the lives and futures of learners across Allegheny County and the entire Commonwealth. Senate Democrats have continued to prioritize delivering an excellent education to every Pennsylvanian, and we are very pleased that this budget fulfilled this core value.”
Senator Vincent Hughes, PA’s 7th Senate District: “When everybody is doing their part — from the Mayor and teachers doing their part, to the legislators and the Governor — we’re able to deliver more resources, more teachers, more staff, and more books to help our students learn. And it’s success in schools like Vare-Washington that show us what these investments can do.”
Senator Nick Pisciottano, PA’s 45th Senate District: "I want to thank Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis for their commitment to investing in Pennsylvania’s students, schools, and workforce. For too long, Pennsylvania failed to meet its responsibility to adequately fund our schools. This budget continues our commitment to making sure teachers and students in every zip code have the resources they need. When we invest in education, we're investing in our future workforce and creating opportunities for family-sustaining careers close to home.”
Speaker Joanna McClinton, PA’s 191st House District: “When you walk into well-invested schools like Vare-Washington, you are reminded that we can and will succeed. We are so grateful to Governor Shapiro and every one of my colleagues for their hard work throughout this budget process, because I know that when we’re in the Capitol, we remember our community, we remember the children, and we create opportunities for more success stories where our children can achieve their dreams.”
Chairman Jordan Harris, PA’s 186th House District: “When I go to Harrisburg every day, and we work on a budget, it's not just the numbers that we do this work for — we do this work because we believe in our young people. The most valuable resource and asset that we have in Pennsylvania is our young people, and we’re going to do all that we can to ensure they receive every single resource necessary to make each and every one of their dreams come true.”
Representative Brandon Markosek, PA’s 25th House District: “As an advocate for mental health care, I am proud that this budget continues the $100 million annual investment in school safety and mental health funding. With the challenges of bullying and social media, it is critical that we ensure every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Representative Ben Waxman, PA’s 182nd District: "The passage of this budget is the fruition of the House and Senate’s collaborative commitment to giving every student the opportunity to succeed. By making investments in our schools, supporting our educators, allocating funding for after school and violence intervention programs, and expanding access to critical resources, we're strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation for academic and personal success. This budget is an investment in our children, our future workforce, and the overall future of our state. I'm proud to support these historic and necessary education funding increases.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker: “If we want to incentivize the next generation of educators in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — or in the city of Philadelphia — we have to be innovative in our approach. And I want you to know that this Student Teacher Stipend program is providing assistance to train the future teachers of Philadelphia because the Governor and our legislative leaders fought for us.”
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato: “Budgets are about priorities, and this budget makes clear that investing in education remains one of Pennsylvania’s top priorities, because every child, no matter their ZIP code, deserves access to a high-quality public education. Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s commitment to investing in Pennsylvania’s students, educators, and families, and the members of the General Assembly who worked together to get this budget across the finish line, these investments in basic education funding, special education, and adequacy funding will make a real difference for school districts here in Allegheny County and across the Commonwealth.”
Read what educators and community leaders across Pennsylvania are saying about the Governor’s work to secure historic investments in education:
Guy Rossi, Superintendent, Gateway School District: “Here at Gateway, we recognize the complexity of crafting a state budget, and we appreciate the bipartisan commitment required to achieve this. While there is always more to accomplish, this funding has allowed us to maintain sustainable class sizes, expand learning opportunities for our students, and replace aging infrastructure — but none of this progress happens in a vacuum. We deeply appreciate the Governor and the General Assembly’s continued support of public education.”
Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia.“We are thankful for Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly for their commitment to and continued focus on public education, especially the $157.3 million in increased funding for the School District of Philadelphia to improve student outcomes. Stable and predictable state funding is essential as our District works to balance long-term financial sustainability with our responsibility to serve students in every neighborhood, regardless of their zip code. It will also support our goal to achieve the Board of Education’s Goals and Guardrails, as well as become the fastest improving, large urban district in the nation.”
Kathleen Kramer, a 6th grade teacher at Vare Washington Elementary School: “The stipend that is now afforded to student teachers as well as their cooperating teacher is incredibly helpful to both partners. I remember being a student teacher, completing college classes and working a part time job — it was beyond overwhelming. A stipend would have been so helpful. It has often been said that teaching is not just a profession, it’s a calling. Governor Shapiro’s budget is having a positive impact on those just receiving that calling.”
Mark Spinola, a Social Studies teacher at Gateway High School: “I want to thank Governor Shapiro for making education a priority in this year's budget, because when we invest in students today, we're also investing in the teachers who will inspire the next generation tomorrow. I'm proud of what we're building here at Gateway, and I'm grateful for the continued support that helps create more opportunities for both our students and our educators.”
Chancellor Joan Gabel, University of Pittsburgh: "We are grateful to the General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration for their support of Pitt and their commitment to Pennsylvania’s students. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with the legislature and the governor's office as we work together to deliver on the commonwealth's priorities.”
Kevin Busher, Chief Advocacy Officer, PA School Board Association: “This year's budget reflects a continued recognition of the important role public schools play in the success of Pennsylvania's students and communities. We appreciate the collaboration that made this agreement possible and the ongoing investment in resources that help school districts support student learning and achievement."
Aaron Chapin, President, Pennsylvania State Education Association: "PSEA thanks Gov. Shapiro for his strong commitment to Pennsylvania’s public schools. This budget delivers for the state’s 1.7 million students by investing in classrooms and continuing historic investments in public education. It also helps build a stronger teacher pipeline by ensuring more student teachers are paid for their work and provides a much-needed cost-of-living adjustment for educators and support staff who retired decades ago after devoting their careers to Pennsylvania’s students but now struggle to make ends meet.”
Read more about Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget, view the Governor’s remarks as prepared here, or watch the Governor’s delivered remarks here.