Westmoreland Review

Dec 13, 2023 - Legislation co-sponsored by freshman Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) has been approved by the House and is now heading to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk. House Bill 1258 aims to improve the current law regarding dual enrollment programs for high school students.

The bill, which eliminates the requirement that students enrolled in dual enrollment programs be removed from the school's average daily membership (ADM), has received bipartisan support. Rep. Cooper expressed her belief that the current process creates a disincentive for school districts to have dual enrollment programs and that fostering innovation should be a priority.

"The current process creates a disincentive for school districts to have dual enrollment programs. Harrisburg shouldn’t be hindering innovation; we should be fostering it," said Rep. Cooper.

The need for this change was brought to Cooper's attention by Dr. Jamie Piraino, the superintendent of the Franklin Regional School District. Dr. Piraino recognized that schools would eventually have to cut back or eliminate these programs due to the financial impacts caused by the ADM requirement.

"When a student begins earning college credits in high school, they save themselves and their families a lot of money, curb student debt, and are able to enter the workforce sooner," explained Rep. Cooper.

Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia) also played a crucial role in the development of House Bill 1258. Rep. Kinsey and Rep. Cooper worked together to draft the bill and served as co-chairs of the Pennsylvania House Bipartisan "Meet Me in the Middle" Caucus.

"Education is a tool that is meant to empower our students and give them greater opportunities to succeed in life. Dual enrollment programs provide high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses and earn college credits," said Rep. Kinsey.

Both representatives emphasized the importance of ensuring that school districts do not lose funding when their students enroll in these courses that enhance their academic careers while still in high school.

"A Pennsylvania family saving money and avoiding excessive debt goes beyond political objectives, and I am glad that the bill generated bipartisan interest," said Rep. Cooper. "Rep. Kinsey is an experienced legislator, and it was an honor to work with him on this."

House Bill 1258 has successfully passed in the House earlier this year. The Senate made an amendment to remove a section that initially made the change temporary. With its final approval from the House, the bill is now awaiting Gov. Shapiro's signature.

Once signed into law, this legislation will remove barriers for school districts and encourage the implementation of dual enrollment programs, allowing more high school students to benefit from college-level courses and earn college credits.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.repjillcooper.com/News/33286/Latest-News/Cooper-Bill-to-Foster-School-Dual-Enrollment-Programs-Heads-to-Governor