YEADON, Pa., Jan. 22, 2026 – The William Penn School District hosted a press conference and student engagement event at Penn Wood High School’s Ninth Grade Academy to highlight historic state investments in the district and to underscore the continued need for adequacy and capital funding.

The event brought together state lawmakers, district leaders, educators, students, and community members and served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for sustained investment in William Penn School District schools.

Principal Rob Curry opened the press conference by welcoming guests and introducing Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Joanna McClinton, who reflected on the district’s role in the landmark school funding lawsuit and the progress made since the Commonwealth Court ruled Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional in 2023.

Superintendent Eric J. Becoats outlined the district’s vision for the future and the importance of ensuring students have the tools and learning environments they need to thrive.

“We are grateful for the work that Speaker McClinton, Chairman Harris, and all of the legislators in attendance have done to move the William Penn School District forward,” Dr. Becoats said. “We appreciate their honesty in acknowledging both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead. Because of them, we have been able to move forward. Now we need their help to move even further. Adequacy funding has been determined, but it has not been fully delivered. We need capital investment to move from patching problems to building real solutions.”

House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris spoke about the broader state budget context and the legislature’s commitment to fair and equitable school funding. School Board Director Jennifer Hoff followed, emphasizing that increased state funding can reduce reliance on local property taxes while expanding opportunities for students.

Penn Wood High School senior, Maurion Miller, then shared his future aspirations and how his experiences in the William Penn School District have prepared him for success.

Students at the Center
Students played a central role throughout the event. In attendance were honors students from Ms. Dehoratius’s English Composition Honors class and Mr. Pusztay’s Law and Government Honors class, along with current Patriot Ambassadors and several former ambassadors who are now 10th grade students. Students served as speakers, guides, and ambassadors, engaging directly with lawmakers and sharing their perspectives on learning in William Penn schools.

Student Lounge Tour and Meet-and-Greet
Following the press conference, guests toured the new student lounge, a student-centered space developed with input from Patriot Ambassadors and supported in part by a $2,500 DonorsChoose grant. Ninth Grade student leaders and Patriot Ambassadors guided lawmakers through the space and spoke about its development and impact.

Teachers and staff involved in the project, including Patriot Ambassador lead Ms. Lynch-Matlack, Ms. Joyline Jefferson, and Dr. Rahsaan Turpin, shared how the lounge has become a hub for connection, engagement, and belonging for Ninth Grade students.

The student lounge visit was a highlight of the event, with lawmakers spending time talking with students, viewing the mural, and participating in activities in the space. The tour offered lawmakers a firsthand look at how targeted investments in student-centered environments can support well-being and academic success.

Funding Progress and Continued Needs
Since 2023, state funding for the William Penn School District has increased by approximately 40 percent. The district received more than $80 million in state investment in the current budget year, including more than $57 million in basic education, special education, and Ready to Learn Block Grant funding, as well as more than $3 million for infrastructure improvements.

District leaders reiterated that while progress has been made, continued adequacy and capital funding are essential to ensure students learn in safe, modern, and well resourced schools.

Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to unveil his 2026–27 state budget proposal on Feb. 3, 2026.

A recording of the press conference is available here.