PSBA Bulletin

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) recognizes the passage of the 2026-27 state budget, which builds on the significant investments in public education included in last year’s budget.

By Sabrina S. Backer PSBA President, Franklin Area School District As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, it is essential to consider and be mindful of the great impacts and the foundational role that public education has had on growing and shaping our nation.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) today expressed disappointment that the General Assembly will not meet the June 30 deadline to finalize the 2026-27 state budget, while emphasizing confidence that the state leaders are nearing an agreement that prioritizes students and public education.

PSBA is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2026 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, the nation’s top recognition for U.S. employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. The Bell Seal is issued by Mental Health America, the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well‑being for all people living in the U.S. “Supporting mental health in the workplace is a responsibility we take seriously.

On May 4, more than 100 school board members and education leaders from across the commonwealth gathered at the State Capitol for PSBA’s 2026 Advocacy Day to urge lawmakers to take action on critical issues impacting public schools.

Since its launch in 2017, the annual State of Education report has served as a key benchmark for understanding the condition of Pennsylvania’s traditional public schools. It tracks essential indicators — such as student achievement, school finances and staffing — while also identifying emerging challenges and the strategies districts use to address them.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) appreciates several positive elements in Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2026‑27 budget, particularly where it continues prior commitments to education funding and student supports. However, PSBA believes that the proposal could be enhanced to provide comprehensive, statewide investments Pennsylvania’s public schools urgently need.

The 2025-26 state budget has passed, bringing an end to a more than four-month long budget impasse. For months, districts faced uncertainty and were forced to make difficult decisions without knowing when state subsidies would arrive. This long-overdue agreement delivers critical funding that will stabilize school operations and restore programs that have been on hold since July. “The passage of Pennsylvania’s budget after a four-month impasse is an important step toward stability.

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Oct. 22, 2025 – The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Trust today celebrated the groundbreaking of the Richard V. Poirier Innovation Center, a new 14,000-square-foot facility designed to expand services for school safety and streamline operations for PSBA subsidiaries. The PSBA Trust, established in 1971, supports programs and services that benefit school directors and districts across Pennsylvania.

The 2025 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference brought together school leaders from across Pennsylvania at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Poconos from October 19–21. On Sunday evening, the conference hosted its annual Student Showcase and School Leader Awards Dinner, honoring outstanding contributions to public education and celebrating innovation in schools.