Future of Education for Pennsylvania

The 2023-2024 legislative term has been full of bipartisan efforts to improve education across the board in Pennsylvania. Taking a student-first and familyfocused approach to innovate and close gaps in our education system is my approach. To this end, and as part of last year’s state budget, the 2022 School Code established the Education and Economic Competitiveness Commission to innovate the future of education in Pennsylvania by 2030.

I am honored to have been selected to be a part of this important effort on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania and for our children’s future. As the Governor and the legislature continue to work through this year’s budget impasse, the concept of modernizing our education system continues to be an area of negotiation, and I hope to be a pathway to lead us forward.

The commission’s goal is to create a shared, statewide, bipartisan vision for 21st century education that will prepare all students to be lifelong learners and compete in a globalized economy reshaped by technology. We aim to establish the policies and regulations necessary to give all students the support and flexibility they need to succeed in the world. I am eager to embark on this important work for our children’s generation and beyond.

Creating a greater outcome in education is also dependent upon where and how our children are being taught. Recently the state budget negotiations broke down over an agreement the Governor originally reached with the state Senate to fund scholarships for students in our lowest-performing schools. The scholarship program would level the playing field for all students, allowing thousands of children to escape failing schools and chase the opportunity to obtain a high-quality education wherever they decide is best for them – a true lifeline to a better education.

This is a concept that Gov. Josh Shapiro has repeatedly supported and was a central element of his campaign message to the people of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, his high-profile reversal on this important educational program leaves the previously reached budget compromise in jeopardy.

It is my hope that Gov. Shapiro will find a political path to support this pivotal program so we can finish the 2023-24 budget. We have an obligation to ensure this budget works for all Pennsylvanians, especially for those left behind in failing schools.

As we continue the 2023-24 session, I am excited to have launched a new district council focused on innovating the future of education policy in Pennsylvania for our young people, locally. One of my major priorities in office is putting the students first. A ZIP code should not determine the quality of education each individual student receives, as it unfortunately does for many students in underperforming parts of our state. The issues in the failing education system aren’t ones that can be solved overnight, but ones that take meaningful steps toward repair.

My hope is that by calling upon local educators, parents and innovators, our local Educating the Future Council will plant the seed of repair and grow the change we wish to foster. We must be committed to considering the needs of every student every day and give them the absolute best chance for success.

Here’s to all that’s ahead for our students, families and communities and all the exciting things they will accomplish as a result of their high-quality education!