$5.7M Deficit In Centennial School Budget Proposal: Superintendent

WARMINSTER, PA —Centennial Schools Superintendent Dana Bedden will speak at Harrisburg Advocacy Day on Wednesday to address the potential of an education funding proposal currently under debate in Pennsylvania's legislature that might help bail his district out.

Bedden will use portions of an op-ed that has been shared with Patch for his remarks:

In his opening comments, Bedden said he serves about 5,300 students, representing students from over 50 countries who speak more than 34 languages and growing, a student population that is 22 percent special education and 51 percent economically disadvantaged, and a homeless population that has doubled over the past year.

Bedden said that last Tuesday he had the "unfortunate experience" of participating in a school board meeting budget presentation that shows a current deficit of $5.7 million with the full Act 1 index.

He said residents of Warminster and Upper Southampton townships —which the district serves —probably cannot afford such an increase.

"Today, I am optimistic and excited as the legislature debates a transformative proposal that has the potential to revolutionize our education system and shape the future of our children. The Pennsylvania courts found that the way the state funds public schools is unconstitutional because the quality of students’ education is determined by their zip code," the superintendent said. "The education budget proposal on the table is not just about numbers and figures; it's about investing in the very foundation of our society —our public schools."

Bedden said the proposal represents a "monumental victory for our public education system," including a groundbreaking $1.8 billion (about $6 per person) injection of new funding.

"This infusion of resources is not merely a gesture; it's a tangible commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives the quality education they deserve," he said.

New funds for the Centennial School District would include:

• Funds to allow us to continue to provide a quality education through increases in Basic Education Funding and Special Education Funding.
• Funds to balance the district budget by cutting cyber charter costs by a reported estimate of $700,000.

Bedden said the district has witnessed a $4.5 million increase in special education costs over the past year to meet student needs. He said a "significant portion" of the new funding —$872 million —would be earmarked for students our current funding system has most disenfranchised.

"For too long, these students have been shortchanged and left behind," he said. "But today, we can take a stand to rectify this injustice and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive."

Bedden said the proposal recognizes the burden placed on many school districts due to state underfunding, with a tax equity supplement to alleviate the strain on communities where property taxes have been pushed to unsustainable levels.

"But the commitment to equity doesn't stop there," the superintendent continued. "We also must address the issue of cyber charter school tuition rates, ensuring fairness and accountability in our education funding system," he said. "Moreover, we stand in solidarity with small school districts facing declining enrollment by safeguarding their funding levels and providing stability and assurance in uncertain times. Over 90 percent of Pennsylvania students attend public schools, and we must ensure they receive the support they need and deserve."

"We cannot afford to be sidetracked by distractions; our priority must remain to fulfill our obligation to fund our public education system fairly," he said. "This budget proposal is more than just a financial plan; it's a statement of our values and priorities. It can be a testament to our unwavering commitment to our children's future and our communities' prosperity. Investing in education isn't just about balancing budgets; it's about shaping the destiny of nations."

Bedden concluded his op-ed by quoting Nelson Mandela, who famously stated that education empowers individuals to transform not only their own lives but also the world around them.

"Let us remember: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," Bedden said in quoting Mandela.