News & Announcements
Update on the 2025–2026 Pennsylvania State Budget

Lansdowne, PA – November 20, 2025

Please see the message below which Superintendent Dr. Becoats sent to WPSD staff and families.

 

Dear WPSD Community,

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has released an update on the newly enacted 2025–26 state budget and changes to the Public School Code. This long-awaited budget includes significant investments that will directly support students, families, and school districts across the Commonwealth.

The Department of Education has begun processing payments to school districts. Initial funds will begin arriving within days, though it may take four to six weeks for all delayed payments to be received.

Key Highlights for Public Education

Historic Funding Increases

  • $565 million increase in public school adequacy funding
  • $105 million increase for Basic Education Funding
  • $40 million increase for Special Education Funding
  • $120.7 million dedicated to mental health and school safety
  • $125 million for school infrastructure improvements, including $25 million for the Solar for Schools program
  • $175 million in district savings through cyber charter funding reform

Strengthening the Educator Workforce
Act 47 of 2025 includes new provisions designed to address educator shortages and create more flexible pathways into the profession:

  • New certifications allowing teachers to serve broader grade bands (PreK–6 and 7–12)
  • Reduced certification fees
  • New pathways for individuals with inactive certificates to return to teaching
  • More accessible options for prospective CTE teachers to demonstrate occupational expertise

Supporting Early Literacy
All public schools will adopt evidence-based reading curriculum and provide targeted support for students with reading challenges — a major step forward for early literacy statewide.

Cyber Charter Reform
The new law updates cyber charter funding and accountability:

  • A redefined funding formula reduces tuition costs for school districts, generating significant savings
  • Cyber charter schools must now meet weekly wellness check requirements to ensure student safety and engagement

We will continue to keep our community informed as more detailed guidance becomes available from PDE.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the William Penn School District and public education across Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,

Dr. Becoats