SCRANTON, PA — In 2024, Scranton School District received a much-needed $8.4 million boost from Pennsylvania’s new adequacy funding initiative — a key effort to address statewide education inequities.
The money helped restore programs, improve mental health services, and sustain the district’s cyber and STEMM education. But the continuation of this funding in 2025 remains uncertain as political debate intensifies in Harrisburg.
What Happened
Pennsylvania’s legislature approved nearly $500 million in “adequacy funding” last year for underfunded school districts, following a landmark court ruling that declared the state’s education funding system unconstitutional.
Scranton School District, which serves over 9,300 students — 75% of whom are low-income — received the sixth-largest allocation in the state.
Key Details
| Funding Allocation | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Academy Support | $5.2 million | Sustain salaries and maintain online schooling |
| STEMM Academy Expansion | $780,000 | Science, tech, and medical program improvements |
| Kindergarten Staff Salaries | $840,000 | General operations to free budget for electives |
| Mental Health Staffing | $1.5 million | Hired licensed counselors and social workers |
Other improvements included restored art, music, and physical education electives for middle school students, along with new technology for enhanced learning experiences, such as VR tools for virtual field trips.
Reactions or Statements
Superintendent Erin Keating praised the relief the district felt from the new funding, calling it a “breathing room” opportunity after years of cuts and financial strain.
“Our students now have access to classes and tools that put them on par with their peers in better-funded districts,” Keating said.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) voiced concerns about the distribution formula. “97% of the Governor’s increase would go to 348 districts, and only 3% to the other 152,” Pittman said.
Rep. Pete Schweyer (D-Lehigh) defended the current formula as a bipartisan effort. “Not everyone loves it, but it passed with support from both parties,” he added.
Investigation or What’s Next
Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025 budget proposal calls for another $500 million in adequacy funding.
However, opposition in the Senate may delay or reduce allocations. If funding lapses, districts like Scranton may have to cut programs again or delay further investments.
Legal advocates say they’ll return to court if lawmakers fail to meet constitutional mandates.
FAQs
What is adequacy funding?
Adequacy funding refers to state money sent to underfunded districts to close gaps in educational quality and opportunity.
How did Scranton use its funding?
The district used it for cyber school staffing, STEMM program expansion, mental health resources, and restoring electives.
Why was this funding necessary?
A 2023 court ruling found Pennsylvania’s education funding system unfair and unconstitutional, prompting new investments.
Will Scranton get more money next year?
That remains undecided. The Governor supports it, but Senate Republicans want to revisit the formula.
What happens if the funding stops?
Programs like STEMM Academy and Cyber Academy could face cuts, and the district’s ability to expand offerings may stall.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Scranton School District’s $8.4 million in adequacy funding provided crucial support to restore and grow student programs after years of cuts.
Yet the future of this support hangs in the balance as Harrisburg lawmakers debate its continuation.
School leaders and education advocates are urging for consistency — and warning that the courts may once again intervene if promises aren’t kept.
