Here's how much more state money Erie area school districts, colleges will get in 2022-23

Valerie Myers, Erie Times-News
·4 min read

State funding for local school districts will increase as much as 17.9% in 2022-23.

The state budget approved by legislators last week increases basic education funding for school districts by $525 million. Funding for special education will increase by $100 million.

The budget also includes major funding increases for colleges and universities, including Pennsylvania Western University in Edinboro and Erie County Community College.

For Erie School District: A $15.8 million increase in state basic education funding

The beefed-up funding will be a "huge step forward" for students and Pennsylvania, said state Rep. Bob Merski, of Erie, D-2nd Dist.

"Quality education doesn't just ease the burden on taxpayers and help students succeed, it brings lower unemployment, more stable families, better health outcomes and lower crime rates — and taxpayer savings," Merski said.

New for North East students: Mercyhurst will offer after-school elementary science program

The increased education spending is unprecedented and widespread, said state Rep. Curt Sonney, of Harborcreek Township, R-4th Dist. Sonney is chairman of the House Education Committee.

"This budget makes historic investments and policy changes that will leave a lasting impact on education in the Commonwealth for decades to come whether the student is in kindergarten or enrolled in higher education," Sonney said. "Among the highlights is increased educational opportunities no matter whether it is a traditional public, public charter or private school. A family's ZIP code should not be a determining factor in their success."

What local school districts will get

Here's how much money Erie area school districts will receive in state basic education funding for 2022-23:

  • Erie School District — $104,119,083, up 17.9% from last year.

  • Corry Area School District — $15,163,895, up 9.61%.

  • Fairview School District — $3,827,524, up 11.45%.

  • Fort LeBoeuf School District — $7,657,046, up 4.59%.

  • General McLane School District — $11,228,631, up 4.93%.

  • Girard School District — $9,864,405, up 4.62%.

  • Harbor Creek School District — $9,731,820, up 4.84%.

  • Iroquois School District — $9,885,778, up 10%.

  • Millcreek Township School District — $16,417,330, up 7.49%.

  • North East School District — $9,431,104, up 4.64%.

  • Northwestern School District — $9,875,611, up 3.86%.

  • Union City Area School District — $10,106,309, up 4.1%.

  • Wattsburg Area School District — $7,521,947, up 7.29%.

Higher ed funding includes historic boost for state-owned schools

PennWest and nine other state-owned universities will share a $75 million increase in state funding in 2022-23. It's the largest single-year increase ever received by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and even exceeds the system's funding request.

PASSHE had sought $550 million from the state and will get $552.5 million.

Request for 2022-23: Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education seeks $550 million from state

The increase, PASSHE officials said, will help the schools hold tuition costs for the fourth consecutive year.

The state budget additionally includes $125 million in one-time American Rescue Plan money to help PASSHE position itself for financial viability and gear academic programs to student and employer needs. PASSHE had asked for $75 million in ARA funding.

"We are incredibly appreciative of the governor and General Assembly for this historic investment in the 90,000 students that our PASSHE universities serve," said Cynthia Shapira, chairwoman of the state-system Board of Governors.

What's changed, what won't: Edinboro University has become PennWest

Erie County Community College: 'Great days ahead'

Early state funding plans, in February, included $1.3 million for Erie County Community College.

Instead, the college will get $2.9 million. The money will help the school grow, said Ron DiNicola, chairman of the college's board of trustees.

"As we approach the end of the first year for Erie County Community College, it's gratifying to know thatwe have advocates in Harrisburg who share with us a commitment to job-focused training for theresidents of the Erie County. There are great days ahead for our students and regional employers," DiNicola said.

"Coupled with the recent announcement of our new campuses, the news from Harrisburg in increasingour state appropriation is absolute affirmation that EC3PA is poised for student and employer success," said college President Christopher Gray.

New Millcreek campus: Erie County Community College Board of Trustees approves 4th class site

Erie County Community College recently announced a fourth campus, at the former Villa Maria Academy in Millcreek. The college also offers courses at the St. Benedict Education Center in Erie, the Erie County Technical School in Summit Township, and at the Corry Higher Education Council.

The college will offer four new associate degree and seven new certificate programs this fall.

Still more state education spending

Pennsylvania's $45.2 billion budget for 2022-23 also includes increased funding for preschool education, school security and student mental health.

Early education programs will get an additional $79 million through Pre-K Counts and Head Start.

An additional $100 million will fund grants to local school districts for security improvements.

Student mental health initiatives also will get a $100 million increase in state funding.

Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNmyers.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Here's how much Erie school districts, colleges will get from the state