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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
04/25/2024 06:55 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=20231
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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: May 13, 2016 12:01 PM
From: Representative Mike Vereb
To: All House members
Subject: RESOLUTION - School District Consolidation Study
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution to direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a statewide study on reducing the number of school districts in the state.

As you are no doubt aware, each of the 500 school districts in the state presently 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. This considerable number of school districts operating independently may unintentionally result in significant financial inefficiencies and duplication of services, which in turn increase the strain on local property taxpayers.

The consolidation of school districts, or school district services, is one option that may help to reduce administrative overhead, address declining populations, and create financial efficiencies to help ease the burden on local property taxpayers, and a reduction in the number of school districts may also increase academic achievement and enrichment opportunities for students through access to better resources. I believe that a study on the cost savings that can be realized through consolidation of school districts or school district services will help to guide the General Assembly in making decisions regarding school district consolidation in the future.

Specifically, my resolution will direct the Joint State Government Commission, in consultation with the Independent Fiscal Office, to do all of the following in conducting its study, which will be submitted to the House of Representatives within one year:
  • Evaluate the cost savings that may materialize as a result of statewide school district consolidation, including the consolidation of administrative, purchasing, and other functions;
  • Analyze the potential impact of statewide school district consolidation on student transportation, state funding received by school districts, and other logistical issues; and
  • Consider the feasibility of multiple school district consolidation options, including consolidation at the county, intermediate unit, or other level.

I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this resolution.
View Attachment

Introduced as HR910