Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB354

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB354 could significantly impact how charter schools are funded, particularly in relation to special education learners. By establishing clearer guidelines for funding based on specific categories of need, the bill seeks to rectify disparities that may currently exist in funding allocations. This is anticipated to benefit both charter schools and the school districts responsible for funding them, as excess funding could be returned to districts if not used appropriately. The emphasis on proper financial documentation may also improve accountability in spending on education.

Summary

Senate Bill 354 aims to amend provisions regarding the funding and regulatory framework applicable to charter schools in Pennsylvania. The bill specifically addresses the mechanisms for funding charter schools, particularly concerning special education students. Starting from the 2025-2026 school year, the funding formula will change, allowing for different multipliers based on the category of special education needs. This aims to align funding more closely with the actual costs incurred by charter schools when providing education for various groups of students with different needs, ensuring a potentially fairer allocation of resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB354 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters who believe that the revised funding mechanisms will improve both the quality of education in charter schools and the accountability of those institutions regarding public funds. However, there remains a level of skepticism and concern, particularly from opponents worried about the implications of changing funding structures on traditional public schools. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring equitable education funding across various educational institutions in the state.

Contention

Notable contention exists around how the bill may affect the balance of funding between charter schools and traditional public schools. Some stakeholders argue that increased funding provided to charter schools, especially for special education, could detract from resources allocated to district-run schools. Additionally, concerns linger regarding the adequacy of the proposed multipliers for different special education categories, as they may not fully capture the complexities involved in educating children with diverse needs. These discussions reveal underlying tensions in the state's approach to public education funding.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB722

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB1266

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB574

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB1495

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB2547

In charter schools, further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB447

In charter schools, further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations relating to cyber charter schools.

PA HB673

In charter schools, further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations relating to cyber charter schools.

PA SB337

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB2370

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding, providing for adequacy and tax equity supplements and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers and further providing for Pennsylvania accountability grants.

PA SB1318

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

KY SB3

AN ACT relating to redistricting and declaring an emergency.

AR HB1238

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation Funding Amounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

NH HB50

Apportioning state representative districts.

KY SB2

AN ACT relating to redistricting and declaring an emergency.

KY HB2

AN ACT relating to redistricting and declaring an emergency.

CA AB1719

Housing: Community College Faculty and Employee Housing Act of 2022.

MS HB1311

Seventh Circuit Court District; revise number of assistant district attorneys and criminal investigators.