Delco’s got the momentum

Across Southeastern PA, the fight to end the funding crisis for public schools is a galvanizing force uniting Republican and Democratic voters, especially those with school-aged children, business leaders, and, as we saw last week, realtors concerned, not only with student success, but also with depressed property values due to underperforming schools.

In fact, districts are rallying around a shared resolution to demand adequate state funding for public schools. Districts in Delaware County, in particular, are making great headway with eight of its fifteen districts already passing the resolution.

(Between you and us, four more districts have indicated that passage of the resolution is imminent.)

The resolution was a key takeaway from the PA Schools Work summit we organized in November which gathered teachers, parents, and advocates like you to take the campaign for adequate funding for public schools in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester, and Philadelphia counties to the next level.

In these Southeastern counties, the pain of inadequately funded schools is growing, as is the concern. 

Delaware, where we held the first follow-up local summit (Delaware County Unites for Education) earlier in February, will likely be the first county to have every district pass the funding resolution, a major milestone that will inspire other PA counties.   

We’re grateful to Delco leaders and organizations that have take the needs of their communities to heart, including (but certainly not limited to) the Delaware County Daily Times for their region-leading coverage on issues affecting families, Chester Upland School District’s Superintendent Juan R. Baughn, who cosigned a widely distributed op-ed this week, and Ridley District’s Superintendent Lee Ann Wentzel, who hosted last week’s panel discussion on the effects of underfunded schools on property values at Ridley High School.

Delaware County may be leading the way but all of Southeastern PA is on the march. 

By this point, every district has the information they need to join the fight and many have already passed their own resolutions, including wealthy districts. But with legislators in Harrisburg actively considering this year’s budget, there is an urgent need for all districts to respond or risk being left behind.

Make sure your voice is heard and your local public school gets the attention they deserve. Pass the resolution. Call your school board today and encourage them to act now.