HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said the nine school districts in Clearfield County are projected to receive more than $12.1 million in federal economic stimulus money.
“The more than $12 million in education investments should protect jobs as well as safeguard and improve the quality of education and its facilities during the economic downturn,” Rep. George said. “The money does not include funding available through competitive grants for education or energy-related projects.”
George said stimulus education funding for Pennsylvania targets four areas: basic education funding, the state’s main subsidy for school districts; fiscal stabilization for repairs, renovations, and basic, special and technical education; Title 1 funding for disadvantaged students; special education provided through intermediate units; and technology upgrades.
“Gov. Rendell proposed $300 million in basic education increases but the federal stimulus will provide an increase of $418 million,” George said. “This means an additional $1.6 million for local school districts, which should reduce pressures for increases in school property taxes.”
George warned that while an additional $317 million in basic education funding is expected from the stimulus package in 2010-11, the federal money dries up after that.
“This will not be a continuing entitlement either for the state or for school districts,” George said. “The money will have to be used prudently with an eye to the future.”
The state Education Department projections for districts’ basic education funding list the estimated increases over 2008-09 allocations. More information about the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act funding of public education in Pennsylvania is available online.
-Clearfield Area: Basic Education — $849,026; Fiscal Stabilization — $386,600; Title 1 — $457,500; Special Education — $545,500; and Technology — $15,400.
-Curwensville Area: Basic Education — $299,246; Fiscal Stabilization — $116,500; Title 1–$137,800; Special Education — $216,000; and Technology — $4,500.
-DuBois Area: Basic Education — $1,170,412; Fiscal Stabilization — $552,500; Title 1 — $653,800; Special Education — $828,300; and Technology: $22,000.
-Glendale: Basic Education — $375,331; Fiscal Stabilization — $112,200; Title 1 — $132,800; Special Education — $201,500; and Technology: $4,300.
-Harmony Area: Basic Education — $98,978; Fiscal Stabilization — $85,100; Title 1– $100,700; Special Education — $74,800; and Technology: $3,200.
-Moshannon Valley: Basic Education — $363,147; Fiscal Stabilization — $158,100; Title 1 –$187,100; Special Education — $167,800; and Technology: $6,200.
-Philipsburg-Osceola: Basic Education — $849,029; Fiscal Stabilization — $242,200; Title 1 — $286,700; Special Education — $397,100; and Technology: $9,600.
-West Branch Area: Basic Education — $559,685; Fiscal Stabilization: — $83,100; Title 1– $98,300; Special Education — $283,600; and Technology: $3,100.
-Purchase Line: Basic Education — $335,095; Fiscal Stabilization — $167,800; Title 1 — $198,600; Special Education — $307,000; and Technology: $6,600.