State Rep. Jesse Topper | Pennsylvania 78th Legislative District
State Rep. Jesse Topper | Pennsylvania 78th Legislative District
Jun. 24, 2024
HARRISBURG – Legislation by Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) aimed at encouraging school districts to explore shared services and potential mergers was unanimously approved by the House Education Committee today.
“There are numerous steps we, as policymakers, should take to provide the educational opportunities students need and deserve,” said Topper, the Republican chairman of the House Education Committee. “I believe enabling districts to look at options, such as sharing resources to create a more efficient system, is one of the steps we can take to unlock new educational possibilities for students.”
House Bill 2386 would expand the scope of grants available for administrative partnerships, ensuring they encompass instructional programming partnerships and consolidation feasibility studies.
The bill originated after Topper toured schools in his area and heard concerns from administrators, school board members, students, and educators. As a member of the Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC), Topper delved deeper during hearings into how districts currently share resources and sought ways this could be expanded. Both minority and majority BEFC reports noted that better collaboration and possible mergers among districts could improve the education system overall.
“This legislation will be a tremendous benefit for schools, especially smaller rural districts, with the upfront costs associated with sharing services and to incentivize a regional approach for the delivery of educational services,” Topper said. “By working together, schools can reduce costs, eliminate redundancies and deliver services to students more effectively.”
The program would provide funding for districts to investigate the feasibility of consolidation or mergers. Consolidation studies can identify potential benefits and challenges, empowering districts to make informed decisions that best serve their communities and students.
House Bill 2386 now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepTopper.com / Facebook.com/RepTopper
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