NewsRadio 1020 KDKA Editorial: School District's State Funding
The new school year is starting in Pennsylvania.
Usually the biggest concern –
Is reminding drivers to slow down in school zones –
To watch for children crossing streets –
And to wait for stopped school buses.
This year there's another concern –
Money.
School districts haven't received any state funding –
Since Pennsylvania's budget expired June 30th.
Some districts have "rainy day" funds that can tide them over –
But many don't have that luxury.
The lack of cash is particularly dire –
For districts that are already financially strapped.
It's going to be tough for them to borrow money –
Just to pay salaries –
And keep the lights on –
Until Governor Tom Wolf and Republican legislative leaders –
Stop running with scissors –
And start playing well with each other.
It's a little hard to be excited about the new school year –
When you don't know how long it will last.
The budget impasse probably won't cause long-term damage to schools –
But it was avoidable – and it is inexcusable.