The Separations Act Stifles Progress in Pennsylvania Schools

Pennsylvania's schools, critically underfunded and overwhelmed by a growing backlog of essential maintenance, cannot afford further delay. The Pennsylvania Separations Act, a century-old law, is now a significant roadblock in an era of educational and infrastructural evolution. Immediately modernizing this outdated law is vital to empower our school districts and higher education institutions to cut wasteful spending, redirecting these crucial funds towards directly enhancing student education in these pressing times.

Outdated Construction Process, Outdated Buildings

The construction world has transformed dramatically since the Pennsylvania Separations Act was first introduced over a century ago. To keep pace with new, cutting-edge advancements in construction, it's critical we modernize this law to align it with current best practices. By doing so, our schools districts and higher education institutions can smartly and effectively use their capital funds, tackling not just the ever-growing maintenance needs but also opening new, state-of-the-art facilities. This modernization isn't just an improvement; it's about stopping school closures and overcrowding, making life-saving updates to asbestos-laden pipes and buildings, and providing our students with state-of-the-art facilities, giving them the best possible environment to thrive and succeed.

Adds to the Growing Education Funding Deficit

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court's decision highlights a critical deficit in school funding, placing the onus on the General Assembly for immediate action. Modernizing the outdated Pennsylvania Separations Act is more than just a reform; it's a strategic solution to unlock millions in funds, moving them from redundant construction expenses to directly enhancing classroom learning. This change is not only a swift response to the court's mandate but also a fiscally responsible approach, allowing the General Assembly to start closing the educational funding gap without additional spending, and more importantly, equipping our schools with the resources they desperately need in these challenging times.

Reform Benefits Schools and Communities

Ensuring the highest quality education for our students remain our top priority, and urgently modernizing the Separations Act is a crucial step in securing adequate funding for our schools. Modernizing the Separations Act is not just about enhancing our educational system; it's a move that benefits the entire community, including those without students. By updating this law, we enable school districts and higher education institutions to balance their budgets more efficiently, thereby easing the financial burden on local taxpayers. This allows for the diversion of additional funds to much-needed community projects. This reform represents a strategic investment in our future, aligning fiscal responsibility with the goal of elevating educational standards across the Commonwealth.

Statewide Support for Reform

Across Pennsylvania, there's an immediate and growing call for action, driven by a broad-based coalition spanning educational institutions, labor unions, business groups, building contractors, and environmental advocates. This grassroots-driven, diverse alliance is united in its commitment to creating a modern, efficient system for financing school repairs and construction. Their collective voice underscores the urgency of this mission -- to ensure the delivery of top-quality education throughout the Commonwealth in the most effective and resourceful manner, reflecting the needs and potential of our current times. This coalition represents a pivotal movement towards transformative educational and infrastructural advancements.

Show Your Support, Join Our Coalition

The need for reform is paramount. Our schools are already underfunded and facing much needed capital improvements and maintenance backlogs that cannot be deferred any longer. It's a challenge that directly affects the quality of education our students receive, requiring many to learn in buildings that are in a state of abject disrepair and contain environmental hazards. By modernizing the Separations Act, we enable school districts and higher education institutions to balance their budgets more efficiently, ease the financial burden on local taxpayers, and ensure our schools receive life-saving updates. We urge you to join our growing coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to reforming the Pennsylvania Separations Act. Your support will send a powerful message to Harrisburg that we are united in our mission.

Join The Coalition Here