On April 24, 2024, the PA Coalition of Student Services Associations (PACSSA) met via Zoom. PAPSA President Matt Ammons and Executive Director Dr. Douglas Arnold represented PAPSA at the meeting. Items discussed at the meeting included a review of a draft budget resolution that urges the General Assembly to adopt Governor Shapiro’s historic state budget proposal and to pass legislation making the necessary multi year commitment to address Pennsylvania’s entire constitutional and moral obligation to fully and fairly fund public schools.

A copy of the resolution will be submitted to the governor’s office, to the Secretary of Education, and to Speaker Joanna McClinton, House Majority Leader Matthew Bradford, and House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler, as well as all members of the House of Representatives,  and to Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, and Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, as well as all members of the Senate

In addition, the committee discussed becoming the “Fifth” Voice at the Table (along with PSEA, PASA, PASBO, PSBA). It also worked on a framework for PACSSA advocacy efforts including such things statewide common vocabulary, resources, and PD opportunities; staffing and hiring; and improving the workforce pipeline.

The committee also reviewed current information regarding PA HELPS. In addition, the committee will share a common conference schedule to keep informed of all association conference dates.