PRINTER'S NO. 1925
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
410
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY MAHONEY, MILLARD, ROZZI, R. BROWN, KIRKLAND,
GIBBONS, D. PARKER, COHEN AND COX, JUNE 25, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JUNE 25, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Governor to direct the Department of Education to
conduct a study on the cost savings of consolidating school
districts in this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has 500 school districts that
provide quality education to students to prepare them for
success in today's society and global economy; and
WHEREAS, School districts operate under separate
administrations which can lead to inefficiency and lack of
coordination, duplication of services, wasteful spending and
limited accountability to the public; and
WHEREAS, School districts have experienced significant
reductions in funding from the State and local level over the
previous fiscal years which has led many districts to consider
eliminating programs and furloughing teachers to address budget
shortfalls; and
WHEREAS, In the 1960s, the General Assembly mandated that
smaller school districts consolidate, which significantly
reduced the number of school districts over the subsequent
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years, but consolidation currently remains voluntary; and
WHEREAS, The consolidation of school districts and
streamlining of administrative functions can result in
significant cost savings and improved efficiency in maintaining
such a large education system; and
WHEREAS, Consolidating school districts can lead to increased
educational opportunities for all students and provide financial
relief for schools that are struggling to serve their students'
needs; and
WHEREAS, A study on the cost savings and other financial
outcomes of consolidating school districts is important to guide
future decision making regarding the number of school districts
in this Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives respectfully urge
the Governor to direct the Department of Education to conduct a
study on the cost savings of consolidating school districts in
this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include multiple school
consolidation options, including county consolidation; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urge the Governor
to direct the Department of Education to report its findings to
the House of Representatives no later than one year from the
date of passage of this resolution; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to
the Governor and to the Department of Education.
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