The Pennsylvania State Education Association President Aaron Chapin said on April 14 that the state House of Representatives voted to adopt Governor Josh Shapiro’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which includes nearly $700 million in increased funding for public schools.
This development is significant as it signals a strong commitment to supporting K-12 education and addressing needs across Pennsylvania’s school districts. The additional funding aims to help students and educators by improving resources and opportunities in public schools.
“The state budget adopted today reflects a remarkable commitment to K-12 public education in Pennsylvania,” Chapin said. “It invests in our public schools and removes barriers. This will help our students reach their full potential.” He also thanked lawmakers for starting the budget process early this year, following last year’s delayed negotiations that affected schools, pre-K providers, students, and communities statewide.
Chapin said the new investments are especially important as federal officials debate school funding nationally. “By contrast, in Pennsylvania, our pro-public education leaders are choosing a path that reflects PSEA members’ values of equitable resources and opportunities for all students.” He highlighted recent achievements such as smaller class sizes, more STEM teachers, expanded math and literacy coaching, and repairs to aging buildings thanks to targeted adequacy funding over the past two years.
House Bill 2400 provides increases across several categories: $565 million for adequacy and tax equity payments; $50 million each through the Basic Education Funding formula and Special Education Funding formula; $14 million for career and technical education; $14.3 million for universal school breakfast programs; continued support for facilities grants; ongoing investment in higher education; plus an increase for student teacher stipends.
Chapin called on legislators to include a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) this year for retired educators who left before pension enhancements took effect under Act 9 of 2001: “It is urgent that elected officials include a pre-Act 9 COLA for retirees in this year’s final state budget.”
The Pennsylvania State Education Association supports community engagement initiatives throughout the state according to its official website. The association represents more than 178,000 educators, support professionals, higher education staff, retirees, and students according to its official website. It promotes quality public education by advocating legislatively on behalf of members while offering professional development resources according to its official website. The organization serves both educators and students through regional offices statewide according to its official website, pursues legislative advocacy focused on excellent schools according to its official website, and provides services such as legal protection along with classroom support resources according to its official website.
Looking ahead, supporters say timely passage of the proposed budget will allow districts across Pennsylvania to continue improvements benefiting both teachers and students.
