Vice President ignores Gov. Shapiro, talks about increasing school funding by $1.1 billion.

Good news for the students and educators in Pennsylvania as Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, visited Amanda E. Stout Elementary in Reading to showcase the state’s substantial investment of $1.1 billion in additional public education funding. This visit follows Shapiro’s recent snub as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for the upcoming presidential election, as she has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz instead.

Accompanied by Pennsylvania Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Shapiro met with students, teachers, and legislators at the elementary school to commemorate the record funding allocated for public K-12 education through the 2024-25 budget. The $1.1 billion boost marks the largest year-over-year increase in Pennsylvania’s history, according to the governor’s office.

In a statement, Shapiro emphasized the importance of this investment in public education, stating, “We came together to make the largest investment in K-12 public education in the Commonwealth’s history, building on progress made in student teacher stipends, mental health resources, and school repairs.”

The Reading School District, where Amanda E. Stout Elementary is situated, will benefit significantly from the new budget with approximately $40 million more allocated compared to the previous year. In addition to this, the district received a grant of over $325,000 for mental health support earlier this year.

Of the total education funding increase, almost $526 million will be distributed through a new adequacy formula targeting schools most in need. The bill also allocates $100 million for special education funding, $30 million for Career and Technical Education, and $100 million for mental health and physical safety resources.

Speaking at the bill’s ceremonial signing, Education Secretary Mumin praised Governor Shapiro’s commitment to education, highlighting the significant positive impact these investments will have on Pennsylvania’s schools.

Historically underfunded, the Reading School District views this increased support as a step toward educational equity and is eager to witness its positive effects on students and educators. Shapiro affirmed his dedication to public education, promising to return next year to further prioritize education in Pennsylvania.

While Shapiro had previously proposed a school voucher program to support private school tuition and supplies, he ultimately removed the funding from the budget to avoid budget delays and ensure timely delivery of vital resources to communities.

With a strong focus on improving public education and addressing funding inequalities, Governor Shapiro’s commitment to Pennsylvania’s students and educators remains unwavering.