Latest news with #PennsylvaniaDepartmentofEducation
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Harrisburg City School District becomes first in Pa. history to emerge from receivership
Harrisburg High School (Cpaital-Star photo by Elizabeth Hardison) Nearly six years after a Dauphin County judge placed the Harrisburg schools under state control, the district has emerged from receivership, acting Education Secretary Carrie Rowe announced Tuesday. The Pennsylvania Department of Education petitioned the court for control of the district in June 2019, as it struggled with poor finances and substandard student performance. Former Education Secretary Pedro Rivera said in a court petition at the time the district failed to achieve the goals laid out in its long-term recovery plan, which was approved jointly by the school board and the Department of Education in 2013. Rowe said in a statement Tuesday the Harrisburg City School District was the first in Pennsylvania history to end receivership. State law requires the Education Department to apply for receivership when locally elected school officials are unable or unwilling to follow a financial recovery plan. 'This accomplishment is a testament to the dedicated school leaders who are committed to serving the learners in their community,' Rowe said. 'When the district entered financial recovery in 2012, it was a very different district than the one we see today.' Rowe credited Superintendent Benjamin Henry, the Harrisburg school board and the department's appointed chief recovery officer Yvonne Hollins with 'leadership, vision, and tenacity,' that led to the implementation of a financial model that is an example for other distressed districts. In its 2019 petition, the Education Department described patterns of financial mismanagement and poor personnel decisions including the failure to hire a full-time chief financial officer and a qualified business manager, neglecting to cancel health benefits for dozens of former employees at a cost of $700,000, and hiring 37 teachers at the wrong salary step, leading to costly labor grievances from its teachers union, Since the receivership was renewed in 2022, the superintendent and school board made significant progress in implementing its financial recovery plan. It updated school buildings and infrastructure through a capital improvement plan and maintained fund balances of at least 5% of annual spending for three consecutive years. It also passed three years of audits with no negative findings, the Education Department said. 'Their return to local control is an opportunity to put into practice everything they have learned about effective governance,' said Court-Appointed Receiver Dr. Lori Suski. Chester Upland School District in Delaware County was placed in receivership in 2012 and is continuing efforts to complete a financial recovery plan. An Allegheny County judge in March extended receivership for Duquesne City School District until at least 2028.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Shapiro visits Scranton school, touts education funding success
Students and teachers at Isaac Tripp Elementary School lined a hallway to welcome Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday. They shook pompoms, held signs and swayed miniature flags as the governor greeted and high-fived them. Shortly after, the lucky first-grade class of Julie Zaleski filed politely into the gymnasium and sat 'criss-cross applesauce' on the floor to one side of the room, beneficiaries of a historic $2 billion increase in K-12 public education funding by the Shapiro administration. Shapiro took to the podium, flanked by book shelves loaded with library books, a globe and a stuffed mouse. * Gov. Josh Shapiro jokes with students at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Gov. Josh Shapiro looks ahead as he visits with students through a hallway at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks in the gymnasium of Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Gov. Josh Shapiro greets students at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Students wait for Gov. Josh Shapiro to make his way through a hallway at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Gov. Josh Shapiro greets students at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * State Rep. Jim Haddock greets students in the gymnasium of Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton during a visit from Gov. Josh Shapiro Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 7 Gov. Josh Shapiro jokes with students at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in Scranton Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand Shapiro touted a year of improved education and resources for students across the region, bolstered by the largest year-over-year increase to education funding in the commonwealth's history, and elaborated on the success of the funding. 'The reason why we are here today is because we've been able to come together, Democrat and Republican alike, and do something really, really historical, for public education here in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,' Shapiro said. State Reps. Bridget Kosierowski, D-114, Waverly Twp., Kyle Mullins, D-112, Blakely, and Jim Haddock, D-118, Pittston Twp., gathered to one side. Scranton School District Superintendent Erin Keating, Ed.D., Scranton School Board President Ty Holmes and acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education Carrie Rowe stood on the other side. Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti sat among a group of local leaders and lookers on in a pattern of padded folding chairs. Shapiro described a scenario where, a decade ago, the state cut $1 billion in funding from the education system. 'We hit a speed bump and were forced to go back,' Shapiro said. He outlined how, though Gov. Tom Wolf's administration worked to do damage control, schools were still severely underfunded. 'We knew that the standard wasn't being met, across Northeastern Pennsylvania, or across this commonwealth,' Shapiro explained, adding that, when he served as the attorney general of Pennsylvania, he wrote a legal brief explaining the system needed to be corrected, because it was unconstitutional. Shortly after Shapiro took office, Pennsylvania courts ruled the school funding system at that time to be unconstitutional. 'Instead of pointing fingers at somebody else, we all agreed, Democrat and Republican, to get around the table and work to address this crisis in public education that we were facing,' Shapiro said. 'We didn't want to shortchange these students. We wanted to be able to invest in them again and make sure that every child has an opportunity for success in life. And so we worked together, and we made historic investments.' Shapiro pointed to Isaac Tripp Elementary School as an example of what is possible when bipartisan efforts maintain the constitutional obligation to children and schools. 'This wasn't just about writing a check to the school district,' Shapiro said, adding that as a result of the work, problems have been solved, highlighting the commonwealth's universal free breakfast provided in schools to all students, because, 'no child should have to learn on an empty belly.' He outlined other improvements, such as growth to the after-school program, access to pre-K, increased funding for special education, including more counselors and special education support in schools, upgrades and improvements, and an increase in the number of teachers hired, thanks in part to a $10,000 stipend reimbursement for educators' learning costs. 'For so many years, the number of teachers have been declining in Pennsylvania. We're reversing that trend,' Shapiro said. 'For the first time in years, it's growing.' Keating described Scranton as 'a city that is long steeped in a proud history and a promising future,' and highlighting the diversity of the student body of 9,300, accentuating how additional funding has improved the education of the students, 80% of whom 'qualify as economically disadvantaged.' She expressed excitement to be 'bringing back preschool,' addressing mental health needs, adding art, music, physical education, STEM opportunities, new fire alarm systems, upgrading all exterior doors, adding interior cameras, completion of construction to West Scranton Intermediate School, and more with the educational funding increase. 'They aren't just extras,' Keating said, addressing some of the benefits funding has provided for the district. 'They're vital components of well-rounded education that create those experiences and interests for kids to grow from high school and beyond.' Kosierowski thanked Shapiro for prioritizing education, citing how her experience as a nurse allows her the ability to see the benefits positive measures taken while children are young has on their overall and ongoing health and lives. 'I'm really proud of what we do here in the state and with funding that we have,' Kosierowski said, citing safe classrooms, nutritional provisions and mental health supports, and reiterated that $11 billion is aimed at K-12 education funding, with a $2 billion increase during the Shapiro administration, and $200 million more dollars to benefit mental health needs, among other improvements. 'This is what progress looks like,' Kosierowski added, 'and here in Scranton, we are seeing it firsthand.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over $1M awarded to Central Pennsylvania career, technical schools
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Multiple career and technical education centers across Pennsylvania have received funding to expand access to computer science, science, technology, engineering, and math education for learners. Grants, which totaled $10.35 million, were awarded to 55 organizations in 29 counties to support STEM and computer science learning opportunities. The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced the grants for PAsmart Advancing Grants for Career and Technical Education programs, including for some in our area. Centre and Elk County awarded over $5k for community projects Here are the Central Pennsylvania awardees (Grants total: $1,575,00): Blair County Appalachia Intermediate Unit was awarded $450,000 Bedford County Bedford County Technical Center was awarded $75,000 Cambria County Admiral Peary Area Vocational-Technical School was awarded $450,000 Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center was awarded $75,000 Clearfield County DuBois Area School District was awarded $450,000 Somerset County Windber Area School District was awarded $75,000 Institutions that received $450,000 or $400,000 grants have planned innovative projects to expand access to computer science and STEM experiences for both students and adults. Grants of $75,000 will support collaboration between schools and a local or regional career and technical provider or will help communities design and plan local and/or regional approaches to expanding career and technical education in STEM and computer science. A full list of awardees can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What could Centennial pay Lucabaugh? Here's what Bucks County superintendents get paid
Centennial School District officials could be replacing its top administrator with the former head of the Central Bucks School District, who at one point was among the highest paid superintendents in the Pennsylvania public school system. School board member Patti Crossan confirmed last Friday the board majority greenlit a reference check and was drafting a contract for Abram Lucabaugh as the district's current superintedent, Dana Bedden, is preparing to leave in August. While it's unknown at this time how much Lucabaugh could be paid if he is hired, Centennial would need to pay at least $171,000 and as much as $300,000 to compete with other salaries in the area, according to Pennsylvania Department of Education salary reports published in late April. Bedden left the Boyertown School District to join Centennial with a five-year contract in 2020 and was making $227,693, according to the salary reports. Bedden was the 63rd-hightest paid superintendent in Pennsylvania. Lucabaugh was making $315,000 about a month before a prompt and controversial resignation in November 2023. Lucabaugh resigned shortly after that year's municipal election saw a slate of five Democrats sweep the race. The Republican-controlled board approved a six-figure severance package for Lucabaugh as one of their final votes before leaving office. Lucabaugh's salary made him the third-highest paid superintendent in the state, behind the superintendents of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District ($322,967) and Philadelphia City School District ($340,000). School superintendents in Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties tend to fall in the upper end of the pay scales compared to their colleagues across Pennsylvania. The average superintendent salary for the 2024-2025 school year in Bucks County's 13 school districts and the North Penn, Abington, Hatboro-Horsham, Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland and Souderton Area school districts in Montgomery County is about $230,876.68. The average superintendent pay for the 2024-2025 school year, according to state data, was about $170,983.66. Here's a breakdown of what each area school district paid its superintendent, including how their salary compares to the statewide list and the years they have worked in each district. Todd M. Bauer North Penn School District, Montgomery County. Salary: $297,201, 6th-highest in the state. Years in district: 10. Steven Yanni Central Bucks School District, Bucks County. Salary: $275,000, 16th-highest in the state. Years in district: 1. Jeffrey S. Fecher Abington School District, Montgomery County. Salary: $268,515, 19th-highest in the state. Years in District: 18. Scott T. Eveslage Hatboro-Horsham School District, Montgomery County. Salary: $263,925, 21st-highest in the state. Years in district: 5. Charles Lentz New Hope-Solebury School District, Bucks County. Salary: $249,071, 36th-highest in the state. Years in district: 6. Susan Elliott Upper Moreland Township School District, Montgomery County. Salary: $247,883, 38th-highest in the state. Years in district: 3. Andrew J. Sanko Council Rock School District, Bucks County. Salary: $240,240, 45th-highest in the state. Years in district: 35. Dana Tyrone Bedden Centennial School District, Bucks County. Salary: $227,693, 63rd-highest in the state. Years in district: 5. Bridget T. O'Connell Palisades School District, Bucks County. Salary: $225,500, 67th-highest in the state. Years in district: 18. Jason Bowman Neshaminy School District, Bucks County. Salary: $225,000, 68th-highest in the state. Years in district: 3. Dennis Best Lower Moreland Township School District, Montgomery County. Salary: $225,000, 68th-highest in the state. Years in district: 1. Michael Nitti Bristol Township School District, Bucks County. Salary: $222,789, 71st-highest in the state. Years in district: 2. Thomas Smith Pennsbury School District, Bucks County. Salary: $219,593, 74th-highest in the state. Years in district: 4. Angelo Berrios Pennridge School District, Bucks County. Salary: $215,000, 86th-highest in the state. Years in district: 1. Samuel Lee Bensalem Township School District, Bucks County. Salary: $214,322, 90th-highest in the state. Years in district: 10. Matthew Friedman Quakertown Community School District, Bucks County. Salary: $212,175, 94th-highest in the state. Years in district: 2. Frank T. Gallagher Souderton Area School District, Montgomery County. Salary: $208,000, 107th-highest in the state. Years in district: 24. Broadus W. Davis Bristol Borough School District, Bucks County. Salary: $178,250, 193rd-highest in the state. Years in district: 11. Andrew Doster Morrisville Borough School District, Bucks County. Salary: $171,500, 218th-highest in the state. Years in district: 1. The data is from the individual salary reports, which include district-reported salaries of every professional in public and charter schools across the state on Oct. 10, 2024. Chris Ullery can be reached at cullery@ This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County school superintendent salaries highest in PA
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Area vocational schools receive state funding to boost offerings
Three area schools were awarded PAsmart Advancing Grants for Career and Technical Education Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Admiral Peary Area Vocational Technical School got $450,000, with Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center earning $75,000 and Windber Area School District being awarded $75,000. These grants will be used to expand access to computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. 'At PDE, we are committed to supporting innovative education and workforce development projects that ensure today's students are prepared with the skills they'll need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow,' Pennsylvania Department of Education acting Secretary Carrie Rowe said in a release. 'I'm proud of Pennsylvania's commitment to career and technical education, which equips students with skills, credentials and hands-on experiences they need to excel in high-demand fields like STEM and computer science.' Rowe added that the funding reflects the state's continued commitment to 'providing every learner in Pennsylvania with the tools to build a successful future.' The area schools were three of 55 organizations across the commonwealth to receive a combined $10.35 million through these grants. According to PDE, institutions that received $400,000 or $450,000, such as Admiral Peary, have innovative projects planned to expand access to career and technical education for STEM and computer science curriculum. The $75,000 grants are geared toward supporting collaboration between schools and local or regional CTE providers, PDE said. The smaller amount may also be used to help communities design and plan local or regional approaches to expanding career education in computer science and STEM.
