Proposal to change school funding rapped
Calling it a “money grab” by the state, a loss of local control of schools and the end of quality public education, officials at a standing-roomonly crowd at Fox Chapel Area High School Tuesday night said a proposal to change how Pennsylvania schools are funded is a bad idea.
The proposal in the Legislature, which would significantly reduce school property taxes while raising other levies, also got a frosty reception in Peters on Monday night.
At an emergency public meeting called by Fox Chapel District Forum, letters, phone numbers and websites were distributed so taxpayers could let their state representatives know they are opposed to legislation that would fund Pennsylvania schools by adding 1 percent to the state sales tax (as well as adding taxes to food, clothing and other goods and ser-vices). It would also raise the state income tax to 4.95 percent, from 3.07, according to the Associated Press.
The forum is an organization obligated to act in the best interests of children, said Elizabeth Klamut, president of the group. “This legislation is obviously not,” she said. “Hence the calls, emails and texts inviting you to this emergency meeting.” A vote could come as early as this month or next, so parents were encouraged to contact their senators and representatives right away.
“Property tax isn’t the best way to fund the school district, but the proposal is certainly not the best solution,” said Fox Chapel Superintendent Gene Freeman. In addition, he said, the proposed legislation has never been communicated to local district superintendents or school boards.
Jamie Baxter, director of legislative policy and advocacy for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, explained that the latest proposal hasn’t been introduced in the Senate or House yet but senators are working behind the scenes and garnering support for when they introduce it. “It’s really not in any of our best interests for this to move forward,” she said.
This is not the first time legislators have tried to pass such a law. During the last session, she said, the move ended in a tie vote with the lieutenant governor breaking the tie to defeat it. Sen. David Argall, RSchuylkill County, is planning to reintroduce the bill.
School districts will lose all of their ability to govern themselves, Ms. Baxter said. Sales taxes in Allegheny County will rise to 8 percent, with increases in other taxes paid by individuals. In addition, the bill would not eliminate school property taxes. “Folks think they will get no property tax whatsoever. That’s not true. This bill does not eliminate all property taxes.”