The Pennsylvania legislature passed a student-based, fair formula for distributing new school funds. While this action is worthy of praise, it is important to understand that the Pennsylvania school funding system remains as unconstitutional now as it was prior to the formula.

The formula is a step forward, but it does not address the inadequate amount of funding available to districts struggling to meet state-set proficiency standards, nor does it address vast inequities between districts. Pennsylvania still has the most inequitable school funding status in the nation.

Staff attorney Michael Churchill addressed this issue with an op-ed in Philadelphia Magazine. It is well worth a read, and describes why just passing a formula is not enough.

After reading the op-ed, take a look at our report that concludes that Pennsylvania needs to spend at least $3.2 billion more to educate its students.