https://www.pottsmerc.com/2024/04/27/montgomery-county-school-officials-and-students-urge-legislature-to-pass-education-
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NORRISTOWN — Montgomery County school officials and students implored state lawmakers Friday to pass Gov. Josh Shapiro’s education funding proposal, which would provide cash infusions to underfunded school districts. “For too long, state underfunding has led to a patchwork of some great opportunities for students but also many missed opportunities for students across the county, where some
students have not had the basic necessities and many residents have been paying exorbitant property taxes,” said Priyanka Reyes-Kaura, K-12 education policy director at Children First, a nonprofit child welfare organization that has advocated for fair school funding. “This year, finally, a solution is on the table.” Held at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in Norristown, the press conference featured several school officials and students from low-income Montgomery County school districts who spoke to the transformative nature of Shapiro’s education funding proposal which earmarks $1.1 billion for public schools, a 14 percent funding increase, with $872 million aimed at low-income school districts such as Pottstown and Norristown. “Students today and in the future, because of the color of their skin or the neighborhood they live in, may not be given a chance to succeed,” said Elizabeth Andedeji, a senior at Pottstown High School. “With proper funding and resources, our students could soar to incredible heights.” “Help us fund our schools so that all students have the resources they need to be successful,” said Jeremiah McCray, a senior at Norristown Area High School. “If we had the funds, students could reach their full potential.” “Students at public schools are frequently exposed to a range of cultures, ethnicities and viewpoints,” said Nia Kennedy, a junior at Springfield Township High School. “Public schools frequently collaborate with neighborhoods through partnerships, events and initiatives that help kids develop a feeling of community and civic duty. Legislators, please cooperate to approve more money for Pennsylvania’s public schools.”