State lawmakers celebrate, renew commitment to local schools
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus January 22, 2026 | 1:01 PM
YEADON, Jan. 22 – Just weeks before Gov. Josh Shapiro unveils his 2026-27 budget proposal, state lawmakers and school officials gathered today at the William Penn School District’s Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy to highlight historic investments made in the district since 2023.
Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, who represents part of the district, said the investments reflect a commitment to ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.
“Over the past three years, we’ve steered historic resources to districts like William Penn because strong communities begin with strong schools,” McClinton said. “Every student deserves access to the learning tools they need to succeed.
“There is simply nothing more important to our future than a healthy and well-educated workforce, and I’m inspired by the work William Penn’s teachers and administrators are doing every day to prepare students for promising futures.”
McClinton noted that in the current state budget, William Penn received a total investment of $80 million, including more than $57 million in basic education, special education, and Ready to Learn Block Grant funding -- an increase of $10 million over the prior year. The district is also projected to save more than $200,000 through reforms to the state’s cyber charter school funding formula.
“William Penn didn’t just expose an unconstitutional funding system; it forced the Commonwealth to fix it,” said state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Phila., majority chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “Now we must make sure those commitments show up in the budget year after year, so students see real changes in their schools -- from classroom stability to spaces that support their growth and success.”
Since 2023, funding for the district has increased by 40%, and the district has received more than $3 million for infrastructure improvements, including a new roof at Penn Wood.
“We are grateful for the work that Speaker McClinton, Chairperson Harris, and all of the legislators in attendance have done to move the William Penn School District forward. We appreciate their honesty in acknowledging both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead,” Superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats said. “Because of them, we have been able to move forward. Now we need their help to move even further. We will consider the adequacy funding done - just not delivered. We need capital investment to move from patching problems to building real solutions.”
“Living in the William Penn School District community and seeing my own children benefit from the district, I know what is possible when schools are fully supported. That is why I have spent years advocating in Harrisburg, visiting legislators, and working to ensure our district has the resources it needs,” School Board Director Jennifer Hoff added. “We are so grateful for the leadership and support of Speaker Joanna McClinton, Chairman Jordan Harris, and all of the legislators here today. Your commitment helps make our progress possible.”
In a landmark 2023 decision, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system was unconstitutional, finding that some districts -- including William Penn, the lead plaintiff in the case -- had been chronically underfunded for decades. The ruling coincided with Democrats gaining control of the state House, enabling the advancement of historic school funding increases each year as part of a broader plan to distribute state education dollars more equitably.
Following the news conference, lawmakers joined student Patriot Ambassadors for a tour of a new student lounge.
Shapiro will unveil his 2026-27 state budget proposal on Tuesday, Feb. 3 during an address before a joint session of the General Assembly at the state Capitol.
Quotes from all lawmakers and school officials at today’s event are below.
State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware
“I always tell students that education is power. Investments in our schools are investments in our potential, so I'm proud to keep fighting for funding equity in districts like William Penn to ensure that our students are uplifted with knowledge, experience, and confidence to lead us into the future.”
State Rep. Heather Boyd, D-Delaware
"Strong school funding is an investment in our future. Today, I walked away from our meeting with William Penn students feeling genuinely optimistic about the future of our community. I see curiosity, resilience, creativity, and a determination to lead in these hallways. The potential of our PA students is endless, and I won't stop fighting to make sure our funding priorities reflect that."
State Rep. Gina Curry, D-Delaware
“For far too long, William Penn and districts like it have been forced to operate in a constant state of crisis because of deep underinvestment and a lack of true understanding at the state level about what our children need to thrive. As someone who has both personal and professional ties to this community, I know firsthand the impact that chronic underfunding has had on students, families, educators, and staff.
“That’s why today is a good day. Today reflects the power of advocacy, the importance of the William Penn lawsuit, and what’s possible when the Commonwealth finally listens and takes action."
State Sen. Tim Kearney, D-Delaware
“I’m glad to see the state make a meaningful investment in William Penn School District, a district that has long advocated for the resources its students need to succeed. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, I’ve remained committed to fighting for fair and equitable school funding in my district and across Pennsylvania. This investment is long overdue and an important step in the right direction, but there is still much more we can and must do as a legislature to support school districts that need it most.”
State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, D-Phila./Delaware
“These investments are about more than just dollars. By increasing funding and improving infrastructure, we’re giving students in William Penn a stronger foundation for success today and in the years to come.”
Student Maurion Miller, Penn Wood Class of 2026
“Because of the education I’ve received in the William Penn School District, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, I have opportunities I never imagined. I’ve been challenged academically, supported by my teachers and coaches, and encouraged to believe in myself and my future. But I also know that our opportunities can be even greater.
Mr. Rob Curry - Principal, Ninth Grade Academy
“The academic growth made at the Penn Wood Ninth Grade Academy reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, the resilience of our students, and the impact of intentional investments in instruction and student supports. When schools have the resources they need, students thrive.”