Westmoreland Review

Jun. 27, 2024

Finding New Ways to Deliver Education

Henry Ford coined the phrase, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” While likely discussing innovations in the automotive industry, this logic can apply to various aspects of life, including education delivery in Pennsylvania. Sometimes, the General Assembly needs to ensure that current policies nurture innovation.

This is why I voted in favor of House Bill 2386, which reinstates and modernizes an existing grant program available for shared services to also include instructional programs.

There are 500 school districts across Pennsylvania, most operating independently.

Consider a school district with growing interest in offering additional Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Perhaps the high school only offers AP biology, but more students want to take AP chemistry. However, science teachers' class loads are already stretched thin.

It pains me to think of a young person having a sincere desire to expand their knowledge but being held back by bureaucracy. What if there was a way to make AP chemistry available without overburdening current operations?

Current law allows school districts to seek state grants for partnerships with nearby districts for administrative resources and personnel. House Bill 2386 expands these shared services to include instructional partnerships.

In this example, two or more school districts could seek a grant to plan a shared AP class schedule, providing learning opportunities for students from other districts.

This bill is crucial for rural school districts whose student populations don’t warrant an expansive list of elective courses despite student interest or workforce needs.

The bill also makes grants available for studying consolidation or mergers' feasibility. Schools experiencing population decline often need downsizing but face upfront costs and barriers even exploring consolidation or merging prohibits them from doing so. While the bill does not mandate consolidations, it provides schools with tools and resources if they choose.

House Bill 2386 was approved unanimously by the House Education Committee and is awaiting action by the full House.

Additional News Topics and Reminders:

Upgraded PA ABLE Website Highlights Program for Pennsylvanians with Disabilities - The Pennsylvania Treasury recently launched its redesigned PA ABLE Savings Program website. PA ABLE gives individuals with qualifying disabilities a tax-free way to save and invest without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), along with many Pennsylvania state benefits.

The new website streamlines navigation and content while integrating frequently asked questions within relevant pages. It includes changes that make it easier for account owners and prospective owners to find information about PA ABLE. More than 9,000 PA ABLE accounts are currently open with over $120 million in assets. For more information, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.

Happy Independence Day! - Many celebrate our nation’s independence by watching fireworks displays or setting off their own. If choosing personal fireworks use caution:

 • Keep water handy.

 • Never allow children near fireworks.

 • Light one at a time then move back quickly.

 • Never point fireworks at people.

 • Avoid relighting duds.

 • Avoid using fireworks after consuming alcohol/substances impairing judgment.

For details on state fireworks laws visit here.

PennDOT will close its driver license service centers on Thursday, July 4th; however customers can still obtain various products/services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Fish for Free on Independence Day! - On Thursday July 4th the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host Fish-for-Free day allowing anyone legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways without needing a license though other regulations still apply More information available at fishandboat.com

PGC Invites Feedback from License-Buyers - The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) asks hunters feedback regarding antlerless deer license buying experience this summer as sales started this week initially three high-demand Wildlife Management Units WMUs including already sold out unit As of Thursday licenses remain available remaining WMUs only residents goal reduce wait times all buyers To share experience go pgc.pa.gov click red Provide feedback button Participation confidential no identifying questions asked

Representative Jill Cooper

55th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Jordan Frei

724-875-8450

jillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper