Lansdowne, PA – October 27, 2025
In follow up to the School Board Business meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, please see the following frequently asked questions.
What is happening with the state budget?
The Pennsylvania legislature has not yet passed a state budget, which was due on July 1, 2025. Because of this delay, school districts across the state have not received their expected state funding allocations. Districts had to put together budgets without knowing the exact amount of funds they would receive from the state.
How does this affect the William Penn School District?
The William Penn School District relies heavily on state support as it makes up approximately 55% of the district’s annual budget. Without these funds, the district cannot sustain normal operations. If funding is not released, the district will run out of money by the end of January 2026.
Why is this so critical?
State funding is essential for paying teachers and staff, maintaining academic and extracurricular programs, supporting classroom instruction, and keeping school buildings open and safe. Without this funding, every aspect of district operations is affected.
What has the district done to manage the situation?
The district has taken steps to manage its finances responsibly, including:
- Closely monitoring spending and prioritizing essential services.
- Communicating regularly with state officials and legislators as well as the WPSD community.
- Planning for short-term contingencies while advocating for a timely resolution.
- Taken a loan to help meet expenses for the 25-26 school year.
Despite these measures, the district cannot continue operating without the state funds it is owed.
What happens if the state funding continues to be delayed?
If the state budget impasse continues, the district will face increasingly difficult decisions regarding staffing, programs, and services. Without state funds, the district’s ability to operate beyond January 2026 will not be possible.
What can parents, staff, and community members do?
You can help by urging state leaders to pass the budget and release funds for public schools.
- Contact your state legislators and share how the delay affects students, families, and educators. See their contact information at the links below:
- Share accurate information from the district to help others understand the issue.
- Stay informed through the district’s website on our News & Announcements section or on our Education Advocacy page.
How will the district keep families and staff informed?
The William Penn School District is committed to open and transparent communication. Updates will be shared through the district website as well as ParentSquare for families and emails for staff.
What action did the Board of Directors take?
During the October 27th meeting, Board member Jennifer Hoff, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, read a resolution by the William Penn School District Board of Directors into the record.
The resolution was shared for informational purposes and was not formally voted on, as it was not prepared in time to be included on the agenda. It urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to end the state budget impasse immediately and pass a complete and responsible budget.
The resolution calls for:
- Full and fair funding for public education, including basic, special, and career and technical education.
- Immediate release of all federal funds owed to school districts.
- Action to comply with the Commonwealth Court’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional.
- Reimbursement of any interest or fees districts incur from borrowing during the impasse.
- Meaningful cyber charter funding reform, establishing a uniform statewide tuition rate.
- Bipartisan cooperation and leadership in the best interests of Pennsylvania’s students and communities.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to Governor Shapiro, leaders of the Pennsylvania State House and Senate, and the district’s elected state legislators.
9. Where can I watch Dr. Becoats’ remarks?
A recording of the October 27, 2025 School Board Business Meeting is available here. The budget discussion begins at 32:19. Please click here to access that part of the meeting directly.
