Save PA Schools

Gov. Corbett's 2012-2013 budget proposal includes more cuts to public schools
Using a complicated fiscal shell game to “redesign school and district” basic education funding, the state budget proposal Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled on February 7 represents an unwise experiment that will cause chaos in the public schools and eliminate research-tested, classroom-proven programs. 

• Find out how the governor's proposed state budget would affect your school district.
   
• Email state legislators, asking them to oppose Gov. Corbett's state budget proposal for PA public schools.

Video: Kids, Cuts, and Consequences:
Educators talk about the impact of state budget cuts on their schools and classrooms.

Pennsylvanians oppose Gov. Corbett's cuts to public education

In Fall 2011, Terry Madonna Opinion Research conducted a survey of Pennsylvanians. The survey asked for opinions about a variety of education reform initiatives.

Pennsylvanians oppose Governor Corbett’s $860 million in public school funding cuts as well as initiatives to “outsource” public schools to for-profit companies.

Two-thirds of Pennsylvanians oppose school vouchers.

What do Pennsylvanians support?

More than 80 percent support real, proven reforms like individualized student attention and tutoring, reduced class sizes, programs that improve school safety, and early childhood education.

Facts about PA school funding

• The 2011-2012 state budget includes $860 million in cuts to K-12 public schools and classrooms.
   
• Gov. Corbett's proposed 2012-2013 budget uses an accounting gimmick, combining line items for employee Social Security contributions and transportation costs in an attempt to create the appearance of an increase in the state’s main basic education subsidy to public schools. As a result, school districts could receive $94 million less in state funding that will actually go to support students in the classroom. Learn more
   
• What $860 million in Cuts Means to Your School.  Find out how the cuts will impact school districts. (2012-2013 data will be available soon)
     
• What budget cuts mean for early childhood education. Because of significant cuts in the accountability block grant program, kindergarten and early childhood education programs across the state are at risk. The accountability block grant program was designed to help fund these programs. Without it, those classes and their teachers could be eliminated.
   
• PA students are making significant progress in the classroom. This year's proposed budget continues to put student achievement AT RISK.