The Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission Addresses Education Funding Inequity

The Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission recently held its fifth meeting in Hanover as part of a statewide tour aimed at addressing education funding inequity. This issue gained prominence after a commonwealth court declared Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional.
Testimony from Education Officials
During the meeting, representatives from the Pennsylvania School of Business and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators provided testimony on various topics related to education funding.
Focus on Infrastructure Funding
One of the key topics discussed during the hearing was the need for funding to improve school infrastructure. Sherri Smith, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, emphasized the importance of investing in facilities, stating, “We know that we need money for our facilities and we understand there are too many unhealthy buildings out there that we’re putting our prized possessions in. I will tell you, when I became superintendent there was one building that did not have air conditioning and I went into those classrooms when it was 90 degrees — my heart just bled for those children.”
Upcoming Meetings and Recommendations
The Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission has planned five more meetings before developing and recommending a new funding formula for Pennsylvania’s school districts.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the issue of education funding inequity and the need for funding for infrastructure in schools. These issues are directly related to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Additionally, the mention of unhealthy buildings and the need for better facilities connects to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
The article highlights the need for funding to address infrastructure issues in schools. This aligns with SDG 4.5, which aims to ensure equal access to education and vocational training for all, including children in vulnerable situations. Additionally, the mention of unhealthy buildings implies a lack of adequate and safe housing, connecting to SDG 11.1, which focuses on ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of schools with adequate infrastructure and facilities
- Number of schools with gender disparities in access to education
- Number of schools with unsafe or unhealthy buildings
The article mentions the need for funding for facilities in schools, indicating that the number of schools with adequate infrastructure and facilities can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 4.5. Additionally, the mention of gender disparities in education can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards the same target. The article also highlights the issue of unhealthy buildings, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 11.1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
---|---|---|
SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations. | – Number of schools with gender disparities in access to education – Number of schools with adequate infrastructure and facilities |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Number of schools with unsafe or unhealthy buildings |
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Source: abc27.com
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