Watch: New Video From Governor Shapiro Highlights Historic Investments in K-12 Education, Including in Student Mental Health, School Facilities, and the Teacher Pipeline

“For the first time in Pennsylvania’s history, we are now investing over $11 billion in public education. We’ve come together - Republicans and Democrats alike - to look out for the next generation of leaders in our Commonwealth, and in our country, and we got the job done."

The 2024-25 bipartisan budget signed by Governor Shapiro this year includes a historic $1.1 billion increase for K-12 education - marking the largest single-year investment in the Commonwealth's history.

Harrisburg, PA - This year, Governor Josh Shapiro brought Republicans and Democrats together to secure the largest investment in K-12 public education in Pennsylvania’s history - over $11 billion, including $1.1 billion in new funding - continuing his work to develop a comprehensive solution to meet the diverse needs of students across the Commonwealth.

Since day one, Governor Shapiro has been focused on creating real freedom and real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians. With the 2024-25 bipartisan budget(opens in a new tab), the Governor continues to deliver on his promise by making historic investments in K-12 education, including:

• $1.11 billion in K-12 public education funding increases, with a new formula to direct dollars to schools that need them most.

• $100 million for environmental repair and sustainable facilities in schools, including $25 million for Solar for Schools, creating safe, healthy learning environments.

• $100 million for special education funding, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s commitment to equitable education for all students.

• $100 million in cyber charter reimbursements to better align tuition costs with the actual expenses of providing online education, saving school districts millions.

• $100 million in mental health funding for K-12 schools to continue supporting mental health services for students, building on last year’s investment of $100 million

• $17.7 million increase for early childhood education, ensuring that our youngest learners get a strong start.

• $3 million to provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost to students in schools.

• $20 million for the Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program, which provides stipends to eligible student teachers in Pennsylvania - doubling last year’s investment of $10 million for the program.

• Ensuring 1.7 million students statewide receive free breakfast, regardless of income.

Click here(opens in a new tab) to watch Governor Shapiro’s new video on how his Administration is shaping Pennsylvania’s futureby investing in education; read the transcript below. 

TRANSCRIPT

“For the first time in Pennsylvania’s history, we are now investing over $11 billion in public education. 

There are some unique challenges students are facing all across Pennsylvania. 

For example: I know you can't learn on an empty belly. If you're hungry, you can't function at a high level. Heck, if I'm hungry, I can't function at a high level. Starting last year and continued this year, we have finally instituted universal free breakfast for students all across Pennsylvania. You show up to school, your belly gets full, and you are ready to learn. 

Here's another one: I spent a lot of time traveling around, listening directly to students who are crying out for help when it comes to mental health. I know the students here understand that. There is a real need in our schools to be able to give students someone that they can talk to, whether here at the school or remotely on their phones. So far, we've invested $200 million in schools being able to hire mental health counselors and provide mental health resources. We know how critically important that is. 

Here's another one: schools that aren't as wonderful, they're going to now have dollars available to help them get rebuilt - to help deal with asbestos and lead in the school. 

We came together - Republicans and Democrats alike - to look out for the next generation of leaders in our Commonwealth, and in our country, and we got the job done.”