Senators Lynda Schlegel Culver and Lisa Baker hosted a roundtable discussion on rural school funding with Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe at Northwest Area School District in Union Township, Pennsylvania. The event aimed to address the challenges faced by rural schools in the state.
The meeting included superintendents, school board members, teachers, and other education stakeholders. Discussions focused on equitable funding models, workforce support, shared services, and the impact of cyber charter schools on local education systems. Participants also toured the Northwest Area campus to observe facility needs and resource strategies.
Senator Culver emphasized the importance of connecting Harrisburg with rural educators’ realities. “Our rural schools are often at the heart of the community—they’re not just places of learning, they’re gathering spaces, employers, and a source of local pride,” she said. “Today’s discussion gave school leaders the chance to speak directly with the Department of Education and with legislators about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can ensure that students in every part of the commonwealth have access to a high-quality education. I’m grateful to Dr. Rowe for making the trip and listening closely.”
Senator Baker highlighted ongoing issues within small and rural districts despite new funding formulas. “The difficulties facing our small and rural school districts have been building and compounding for many years,” she stated. “While the new education funding formula is a major advance overall, there are more than a few districts where the benefits have been limited.”
Discussions covered basic education funding concerns, special education costs, transportation expenses, and teacher recruitment challenges in rural areas.
For more information on Senator Culver’s educational initiatives or support for rural communities, visit www.SenatorCulver.com.
