Lansdowne, PA – June 4, 2025

Please see the following email that Dr. Becoats sent to the community.

Subject: Budget Update and Press Conference this Friday, June 6, 2025

Hello,

The WPSD community is invited to attend a press conference this Friday, June 6th at 10 a.m. at Penn Wood High School. We will be joined by State Representative Gina Curry and other leaders as we advocate for the funding we need from the state as we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year.

As we shared at our May Budget & Finance committee meeting and was reported recently by WHYY, if we do not receive the adequacy funding from the state and if our legislators don’t pass cyber charter reform, we will be forced to make difficult cuts to the arts, music, athletics, and transportation services. We do not want to do this, but we will have no choice. We simply won’t have the money to provide these programs and services that our students need and deserve.

We cannot wait any longer. Please help us amplify our message and make your voice heard. Text Governor Shapiro at 717-788-8990 or via his contact form. Email our local elected officials. Tell them that the students, staff, families, and community of the William Penn School District need full funding. Now.

The legislature is also reviewing House Bill 1500 this week which proposes cyber charter school funding reform and would establish a fair, statewide cyber charter tuition rate. It is not about eliminating school choice. It’s about ensuring that public education dollars are spent responsibly and equitably. And we need this to pass in order to have funds we need for the upcoming school year. Please reach out to members of the state Education Committee, and let them know we need their support.

Lastly, I invite you to our Music & Art Festival this Thursday, June 5th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Penn Wood Middle School. THIS is what is at stake. Our children are talented. Our teachers are dedicated. Our community is proud.

Let’s make sure we give our students every opportunity to grow, to dream, and to thrive.

Thank you for your advocacy and support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Becoats