In the 2023-24 budget, Governor Josh Shapiro secured the largest increase in K-12 basic education funding in Pennsylvania up to that point and secured universal free breakfast for 1.7 million students.

The 2024-25 budget builds on this historic progress and makes the largest investment in Commonwealth history in K-12 public education and delivers a comprehensive solution on K-12 education in Pennsylvania, including:
-$1.11 billion in total increases in K-12 public education funding – and drives those dollars out in a more equitable manner to the schools that need it most under a new formula.
-$100 million in sustainable funding for environmental repair and other facilities in schools to create safe and healthy environments for students to learn in and teachers to teach in, including $25 million for Solar for Schools.
-A $100 million increase for special education funding, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s commitment to equitable education for all students.
-A $100 million cyber charter reimbursement to better align tuition with the actual costs of providing an online education and save school districts millions annually.

In the 2023-24 budget, Governor Shapiro secured $100 million for student mental health services and $20 million for county mental health support. The final 2024-25 budget matches those investments and takes a step further by continuing an annual $100 million in mental health funding for K-12 schools, building upon one-time federal funds to ensure schools have the continued resources to provide mental health services to students and staff and increasing another $20 million for county mental health.

Also, to help parents and families in the PA workforce cannot succeed if there is a lack of affordable childcare – and the new budget makes a critically needed $17.7 million increase for early childhood education, including:
-$15 million for the Pre-K Counts program.
-$2.7 million for the Head Start Supplement Assistance program to support our early learners and stabilize our workforce.

For more information, click here.

On July 11, 2024, the PA State Board of Education held its 381st meeting at the PDE offices and via Zoom. At the meeting, Bureau of Career and Technical Education Director Judd Pittman delivered a report from his bureau and thanked the Board for its support. He also acknowledged action items seeking re-accreditation as applied for by the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and Indiana County Technology Center. Those requests were approved by the Board later in the meeting.

There was also discussion as to the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center’s not seeking re-accreditation for its Licensed Practical Nursing program and the affect it will have on current LPN program students. The Board was informed by committee chair Ernest Hadrick of that issue, which will be further addressed at the September meeting.

The Board also approved the updates to the accreditation guidelines for public postsecondary career and technical education.

On July 1, 2024, PDE Bureau of Special Education Director Dr. Carole L. Clancy sent a PENN*LINK message to LEAs with the subject line Approved Private School and Chartered School for the Deaf and the Blind Preliminary Deductions. The memo states that in accordance with sections 13-1376 and 13-1376.1 of the School Code, 24 P.S. §§ 13-1376 and 13-1376.1, this message is to notify school districts and charter schools (collectively referred to hereinafter as “local educational agencies” or “LEAs”) that have placed students at an Approved Private School (APS) or Chartered School for the Deaf and the Blind (Chartered School) of its preliminary payment amount for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year.

As of May 15, 2024, student data has been entered by the LEAs and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) electronically through the Approved Private School Electronic Management (APSEM) system. If any student data is incorrect, it is the LEA’s responsibility to follow up with the APS or Chartered School and make corrections in APSEM. The LEA is responsible for submitting the Request for Change in Approved Private School or Chartered School Assignment to PDE in a timely manner.

Please log into the APSEM system and run the Application for Educational Assignment to Approved Private Schools and Chartered Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Enrollment Deduction Report for school year 2023-24. These amounts are preliminary and are subject to change before the June 1, 2025 deductions.

You may find the above information useful when completing your 2024-25 General Fund Budget (PDE-2028).

If you have any questions pertaining to the Request for Change in Approved Private School or Chartered School Assignment, accounting, and/or deductions, contact Eileen Jacobs-Crummel at [email protected] or 717-257-6652.

On July 1, 2024, PDE Bureau of Special Education Director Dr. Carole L. Clancy sent a PENN*LINK message to LEAs with the subject line 2024-25 Special Education Compliance Monitoring Schedule. the memo states that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has the responsibility to ensure that all local educational agencies (LEAs) providing services, whether directly or by contractual arrangements, administer special education services and programs that are compliant with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. To fulfill this responsibility, PDE has established administrative procedures for monitoring program implementation, including evaluating the appropriateness, effectiveness, and accountability of special education services and programs.

PDE has developed the schedule for compliance monitoring for the 2024-2025 school year in which 125 school districts and charter schools of varying size across the commonwealth will be monitored. The list of selected LEAs is included at the end of this Penn Link. Additional monitoring reviews, if deemed appropriate, may be designated as the school year progresses.

For the 2023-24 school year, the Cyclical Monitoring for Continuous Improvement (CMCI) process includes a combination of virtual and onsite components. Verification activities include digital and onsite review of student documents; studies of service delivery; and analysis of policies, procedures, and outcomes. This CMCI process will include:

• Virtual Components
  • Facilitated Self-Assessment submitted by the LEA, and verification of the information reported in the Facilitated Self-Assessment.
  • Administrative and Exit Interviews
  • Parent and Teacher Interviews
• On-Site Components
  • Student Sample File Review
  • Classroom Observations

Training for this monitoring process is designed as a series of web-based training modules. These modules will be available on thePaTTAN website and Leader Services website in late July. Relevant LEA personnel must complete the trainings and report date of completion to the Chairperson assigned to your monitoring by September 9, 2024.

These training modules review the current monitoring process, Facilitated Self-Assessment submission, documents to be submitted, and management of web-based documentation, as well as provide additional resources to assist LEA personnel to prepare for the monitoring process. District superintendents, charter school chief executive officers, special education directors, and additional appropriate personnel at LEAs who will be monitored, will benefit from completing these training modules to familiarize themselves with the monitoring process.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in complying with this federally mandated requirement. PDE recognizes the time and effort required by each LEA to successfully participate in these monitorings. The Chairperson assigned to each monitoring will contact the LEA for follow up. Should you have any questions regarding the 2024-2025 monitoring schedule included below, please contact Kelli Franklin at [email protected].

               SPECIAL EDUCATION CYCLICAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING SCHEDULE

School Districts and Charter Schools to be Monitored in 2024-2025

IU	LEA	Adviser	Date (Week of)
1	Burgettstown Area School District	Kerri Hartman	March 10, 2025
1	Canon-Mcmillan School District	Kerri Hartman	January  27, 2025
1	Frazier School District	Kerri Hartman	November 4, 2024
1	McGuffey School District	Kerri Hartman	February 24, 2025
2	Pittsburgh – (Network2)	Kerri Hartman	December 9, 2024
2	The New Academy Charter School	Cortney Verner	December 2, 2024
2	Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School	Cortney Verner	March 24, 2025
2	Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter School	Cortney Verner	January 27, 2025
3	Avonsworth School District	Tyann Neal	February 3, 2025
3	Cornell School District	Tyann Neal	February 24, 2025
3	East Allegheny School District	Tyann Neal	April 14, 2025
3	Life Male STEAM Academy CS	Cortney Verner	April 7, 2025
3	Pine-Richland School District	Tyann Neal	November 18, 2024
3	Plum Borough School District	Cortney Verner	February 24, 2025
3	Propel Charter School – East	William Ferko	March 3, 2025
3	Propel Charter School – McKeesport	William Ferko	November 4, 2024
3	Riverview School District	Cortney Verner	November 18, 2024
3	Upper Saint Clair School District	Tyann Neal	January 13, 2025
3	Wilkinsburg Borough School District	Tyann Neal	March 17, 2025
3	Young Scholars of Western Pennsylvania CS	Cortney Verner	January 13, 2025
4	Butler Area School District	Nancy Stanley	December 16, 2024
4	Knoch School District (South Butler County)	Nancy Stanley	November 11, 2024
4	Mercer Area School District	Nancy Stanley	April 7, 2025
4	New Castle Area School District	Nancy Stanley	November 4, 2024
4	Slippery Rock Area School District	Nancy Stanley	May 5, 2025
5	Fairview School District	Erik Leamon	March 10, 2025
5	Girard School District	Erik Leamon	February 10, 2025
5	Montessori Regional Charter School	Erik Leamon	December 9, 2024
5	Penncrest School District	Erik Leamon	April 7, 2025
5	Tidioute Community Charter School	Erik Leamon	January 13, 2025
6	Franklin Area School District	William Ferko	May 5, 2025
6	North Clarion County School District	William Ferko	March 31, 2025
6	Punxsutawney Area School District	William Ferko	May 19, 2025
7	Hempfield Area School District	Dawn Smith	January 13, 2025
7	Kiski Area School District	Dawn Smith	January 27, 2025
7	Monessen City School District	Dawn Smith	May 5, 2025
7	Mount Pleasant Area School District	Dawn Smith	March 10, 2025
8	Blacklick Valley School District	Pat Haglund	April 7, 2025
8	HOPE for Hyndman Charter School	Pat Haglund	May 5, 2025
8	Richland School District	Pat Haglund	December 9, 2024
8	Rockwood Area School District	Pat Haglund	February 10, 2025
8	Shade-Central City School District	Pat Haglund	March 17, 2025
8	Somerset Area School District	Pat Haglund	January 13, 2025
8	Tussey Mountain School District	Pat Haglund	November 4, 2024
9	Johnsonburg Area School District	Mark Ishman	November 18, 2024
9	Saint Marys Area School District	Mark Ishman	November 4, 2024
10	Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District	Shannon Eye	March 17, 2025
10	Young Scholars of Central PA Charter School	Shannon Eye	November 4, 2024
11	Southern Fulton School District	Shannon Eye	April 7, 2025
11	Stone Valley Community Charter School	Shannon Eye	December 9, 2024
12	Central York School District	Kerry Fitch	February 24, 2025
12	Chambersburg Area School District	Kerry Fitch	May 5, 2025
12	Crispus Attucks Youthbuild Charter School	Kerry Fitch	November 4, 2024
12	Greencastle-Antrim School District	Kerry Fitch	March 17, 2025
12	Hanover Public School District	Kerry Fitch	April 7, 2025
12	Upper Adams School District	Kerry Fitch	January 13, 2025
12	York Academy Regional Charter School	Kerry Fitch	December 9, 2024
13	Pequea Valley School District	Todd Kehler	January 13, 2025
14	Tulpehocken Area School District	Lisa Hauswirth	February 24, 2025
15	Carlisle Area School District	John Gombocz	November 11, 2024
15	Central Dauphin School District	John Gombocz	March 24, 2025
15	Mechanicsburg Area School District	John Gombocz	November 4, 2024
15	Pennsylvania STEAM Academy CS	John Gombocz	March 31, 2025
15	Shippensburg Area School District	John Gombocz	April 14, 2025
15	Susquehanna Township School District	John Gombocz	November 18, 2024
15	Susquenita School District	John Gombocz	January 20, 2025
17	Montoursville Area School District	Mark Ishman	December 16, 2024
17	South Williamsport Area School District	Mark Ishman	January 13, 2025
17	Sullivan County School District	Mark Ishman	February 17, 2025
17	Wellsboro Area School District	Mark Ishman	December 2, 2024
18	Dallas School District	Gina Giovannini	February 10, 2025
19	Dunmore School District	Gina Giovannini	December 9, 2024
19	North Pocono School District	Gina Giovannini	April 7, 2025
19	Valley View School District	Gina Giovannini	November 4, 2024
19	Western Wayne School District	Gina Giovannini	March 3, 2025
20	Bethlehem Area School District	Jill Condo	December 16, 2024
20	East Stroudsburg Area School District	Jill Condo	April 7, 2025
20	Lehigh Valley Dual Language Charter School	Jill Condo	December 2, 2024
20	Saucon Valley School District	Jill Condo	February 10, 2025
20	Stroudsburg Area School District	Jill Condo	November 18, 2024
20	Wilson Area School District	Jill Condo	May 5, 2025
21	East Penn School District	Byron Wiley	January 20, 2025
21	Northern Lehigh School District	Byron Wiley	December 2, 2024
21	Southern Lehigh School District	Byron Wiley	April 14, 2025
21	Whitehall-Coplay School District	Byron Wiley	November 18, 2024
22	Morrisville Borough School District	Jill Condo	January 13, 2025
22	Pennsbury School District	Jill Condo	March 10, 2025
23	Agora Cyber Charter School	Beth Marvin	January 27, 2025
23	Methacton School District	Carey Zeigler	January 27, 2025
23	Pottstown School District	Carey Zeigler	April 14, 2025
23	Spring-Ford Area School District	Carey Zeigler	March 10, 2025
23	Upper Dublin School District	Carey Zeigler	November 18, 2024
23	Upper Perkiomen School District	Carey Zeigler	November 11, 2024
23	Wissahickon School District	Carey Zeigler	February 10, 2025
24	Avon Grove School District	Byron Wiley	February 10, 2025
24	Insight PA Cyber Charter School	Beth Marvin	November 4, 2024
24	PA Leadership Charter School	Beth Marvin	November 18, 2024
24	Tredyffrin-Easttown School District	Byron Wiley	February 24, 2025
24	Unionville-Chadds Ford School District	Byron Wiley	March 31, 2025
25	Marple Newtown School District	Carey Zeigler	October 28, 2024
25	Rose Tree Media School District	Carey Zeigler	May 5, 2025
26	Ad Prima Charter School	Stacey Mears	February 10, 2025
26	Alliance For Progress Charter School	Stacey Mears	March 10, 2025
26	ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter School	Beth Marvin	March 3, 2025
26	Christopher Columbus Charter School	Robin Wolfington-Halaycio	November 4, 2024
26	Folk Arts-Cultural Treasures Charter School	Robin Wolfington-Halaycio	February 10, 2025
26	Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter School	Beth Marvin	December 9, 2024
26	Mastery Charter School – Hardy Williams	Beth Marvin	February 24, 2025
26	Mastery Charter School – Harrity Campus	Beth Marvin	December 16, 2024
26	Mastery Charter School – Mann Campus	Beth Marvin	May 12, 2025
26	Mastery Charter School – Smedley Campus	Beth Marvin	May 5, 2025
26	Multicultural Academy Charter School	Robin Wolfington-Halaycio	April 28, 2025
26	Northwood Academy Charter School	Robin Wolfington-Halaycio	March 31, 2025
26	Philadelphia Academy Charter School	Robin Wolfington-Halaycio	March 3, 2025
26	Philadelphia Learning Network 11	Alicia Erwine	December 9, 2024
26	Philadelphia Learning Network 13	Dawn Keifer	February 24, 2025
26	Philadelphia Montessori Charter School	Robin Wolfington-Halaycio	January 13, 2025
26	Young Scholars Charter School	Stacey Mears	April 7, 2025
27	Hopewell Area School District	Nancy Stanley	March 10, 2025
27	New Brighton Area School District	Nancy Stanley	November 18, 2024
28	Armstrong School District	Dawn Smith	November 18, 2024
28	Indiana Area School District	Dawn Smith	April 7, 2025
29	Minersville Area School District	John Gombocz	March 10, 2025
29	Pine Grove Area School District	John Gombocz	February 24, 2025
29	Shenandoah Valley School District	John Gombocz	January 27, 2025