PRINTER'S NO. 607
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
52
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY WOZNIAK, ARGALL, FOLMER, COSTA, HUGHES, VANCE,
YUDICHAK, BOSCOLA, WHITE, MENSCH AND AUMENT, MARCH 12, 2015
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, MARCH 12, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study
the cost-effectiveness of consolidating school districts in
this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has 500 school districts that
operate independently with respect to governance, budgetary
matters, procurement of goods and services, staffing and many
other issues; and
WHEREAS, Having so many school districts may be significantly
inefficient from a financial and funding perspective; and
WHEREAS, A reduction in the number of school districts may
improve the cost-effectiveness of operating the vast public
school system in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, A comprehensive study on the advantages and
disadvantages of a public school consolidation needs to be
conducted; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee to study reducing the number of school
districts in this Commonwealth in order to:
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(1) Determine whether, by consolidating school
districts, smaller and more rural districts could save money
in regards to purchasing power of supplies and services.
(2) Analyze whether services could be consolidated, much
like many municipal services on other levels, by
consolidating school districts.
(3) Study the effects of consolidation on transportation
issues, logistical issues and other situations that may not
be considered on the surface.
(4) Investigate whether, by pooling State money to
provide better services for more rural school districts, the
Commonwealth could run a more efficient and ultimately a
better system of education for students in this Commonwealth.
(5) Evaluate whether, by consolidation of school
districts at the county, intermediate unit or other level,
larger school districts could provide more services such as
extensive special-needs programs, after-school programs and
other means that poorer districts traditionally cannot
provide or afford;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
report its findings and recommendations to the Senate no later
than June 30, 2016.
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