State officials in Harrisburg are continuing discussions about how to distribute funding for Pennsylvania schools.
The Basic Education Funding Commission held a hearing in Harrisburg on Thursday. They’re trying to come up with a new formula for doling out basic education funding to schools.
The 15-member bipartisan commission heard from representatives from three Central Pennsylvania school districts who testified about their recommendations for the funding in their districts. They talked about classroom size, demographics of the school district and infrastructure needs.
"Unique to Harrisburg, 48 percent of all properties are exempt from property tax of which 40 percent is state-owned." Harrisburg School Board Vice President James Thompson said. "Therefore, a state payment in lieu of taxes could benefit our children with sustainable, secure spending for transportation– improving Harrisburg student attendance and student safety."
Harrisburg schools have been declared to be in moderate financial recovery. A chief recovery officer has worked with the district to try to improve finances and academics.
The commission has held public hearings across the state to gather testimony and data that will help in its efforts to create a more fair education funding formula.