North Central PA Times

Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver has been appointed as Chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee for the 2025-2026 legislative session. This appointment comes after her swearing-in ceremony, marking the start of her first four-year term in the Senate, representing Pennsylvania's 27th Senatorial District. Culver previously completed a partial term following former Senator John Gordner's departure and served seven terms in the House of Representatives.

"Being appointed Chair of the Education Committee as a relatively new member of the Senate is a tremendous honor and one that I do not take lightly," said Culver. "I am grateful to Sen. Ward for entrusting me with this responsibility."

Committee chairmanships are designated by Senator Kim Ward, Senate President Pro Tempore. "Sen. Culver’s knowledge, experience and understanding of how to navigate important and complex issues such as education make her an excellent choice to chair the Senate Education Committee," stated Ward. "Beyond the basics of reading, writing, and math, we need to make sure our students are on a trajectory to move on to a college, university, or trade school as we prepare our students for jobs as we create the workforce for tomorrow. I am confident under Sen. Culver’s leadership we will be able to make strides in putting our students on a pathway towards success."

The Senate Education Committee oversees matters related to Pennsylvania’s education system, including school safety, funding issues, and post-secondary opportunities for students. It also has oversight over various state education bodies like the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

"My approach to policy issues in Harrisburg has been and always will be about doing good for the people of Pennsylvania," stated Culver. "The education of our young people is important – for their own futures and the future of this Commonwealth – so I will have their best interest at the forefront of the work we do as a committee."

Culver serves on several educational committees and caucuses within the Senate. She is involved with PHEAA Board of Directors and co-chairs the Senate PASSHE Caucus among other roles. In previous sessions, she advocated successfully for afterschool funding resulting in significant appropriations for programs supporting out-of-school activities.