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A08175
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
910
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY VEREB, SAYLOR, V. BROWN, D. COSTA, DIAMOND,
GERGELY, GIBBONS, GINGRICH, JOZWIAK, MAHONEY, MAJOR, MILLARD,
MULLERY, NEILSON, PASHINSKI, PAYNE, SCHLOSSBERG AND
ZIMMERMAN, JUNE 1, 2016
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JUNE 1, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
Statewide study on reducing the number of school districts in
this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has 500 school districts that
operate as discrete entities; and
WHEREAS, Each school district operates under an independent
governance structure, develops an annual budget, maintains a
professional and support staff and provides for the procurement
of goods and services to meet the needs of the district; and
WHEREAS, The considerable number of school districts may
result in significant financial inefficiencies and duplication
of services; and
WHEREAS, The consolidation of school districts or school
district services may help to reduce administrative overhead,
address declining populations and create financial efficiencies
to help ease the burden on local property taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, A reduction in the number of school districts may
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also increase academic achievement and enrichment opportunities
for students through access to better resources; and
WHEREAS, A study on the cost savings that can be realized
through consolidation of school districts or school district
services may help to guide the General Assembly in making
decisions regarding school district consolidation in the future;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission, with assistance from the
Independent Fiscal Office, to conduct a Statewide study on
reducing the number of school districts in this Commonwealth;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, in
conducting the study, shall do all of the following:
(1) Evaluate the cost savings that may materialize as a
result of Statewide school district consolidation, including
the consolidation of administrative, purchasing and other
functions.
(2) Analyze the potential impact of Statewide school
district consolidation on student transportation, State
funding received by school districts and other logistical
issues.
(3) Consider the feasibility of multiple school district
consolidation options, including consolidation at the county,
intermediate unit or other level;.
(4) Evaluate not only the financial impact of school
consolidation but the impact it would have on academic
achievement;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission report
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its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives
no later than one year after the adoption of this resolution.
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