ALLENTOWN, PA — Standing in the bustling corridors of Harrison-Morton Middle School, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered a resounding message on Friday to students, educators, and families throughout Pennsylvania. Over the past two years, his administration has secured more than $2 billion in new funding for K-12 education, ensuring public schools across the state receive the resources they need to unlock opportunities for every child.
“In Pennsylvania, we are making historic investments in our schools to ensure that every child—no matter their ZIP code—has the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Shapiro. “From universal breakfasts for every student to repairing hazardous school buildings, we’re delivering real resources and real results that benefit our students, support our teachers, and strengthen our communities.”
Allentown Schools Shine as Investments Take Hold
The Allentown School District, which serves one of Pennsylvania’s most economically diverse student populations, has emerged as a model of progress thanks to these unprecedented investments. The district received $252.8 million under the 2024-25 bipartisan state budget—marking a nearly $90 million increase since Governor Shapiro took office. Another $20 million was allocated through a new funding adequacy formula that prioritizes schools with the greatest needs.
Harrison-Morton Middle School, home to 667 students in grades 6 through 8, showcases the tangible impact of these investments. Students and educators alike expressed their optimism and gratitude during the Governor’s visit. “These investments are making a real difference for our students and educators,” said Dr. Carol Birks, superintendent of the Allentown School District. “Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we’re creating safer, healthier learning environments and providing critical support for students and their families.”
Notable advancements in the district include a $2.5 million grant for HVAC upgrades at William Allen High School and over $522,000 to establish a Family and Community Resource Center, bringing parents and caregivers closer to essential educational and social services.
Rewriting Pennsylvania’s Education Future
Governor Shapiro has made education a signature priority, achieving the largest single-year funding increase in Pennsylvania’s history with an additional $1.1 billion for K-12 education this past year. These investments aim to level the playing field for all students, breaking down systemic barriers that have left many underserved communities behind.
The Shapiro Administration’s initiatives include $275 million to repair hazardous schools, $200 million to expand student mental health support, and $100 million to assist public school districts with cyber charter reimbursements. The Governor also spearheaded the universal free breakfast program, now feeding 1.7 million children statewide—a move that has already increased breakfast participation by 10 million meals compared to the previous year.
Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer emphasized the impact of these efforts. “Because of this Administration’s work, more kids are eating breakfast in the morning, more students have mental health support, and more schools are making crucial infrastructure repairs to keep environments safe and healthy,” she said. “I look forward to ensuring every student has the high-quality education they deserve.”
Empowering Students to Dream Big
For students like Josh Colon-Hernandez of Harrison-Morton Middle School, these investments go beyond dollars—they create life-changing opportunities. “This school and its environment have helped me grow and learn in ways I never thought possible,” Colon-Hernandez said. “On behalf of all the students—especially as a volleyball player and a band student—I want to say thank you.”
At the core of Governor Shapiro’s vision is a belief that education is the foundation of opportunity. Whether through career and technical education (CTE) funding, totaling nearly $65 million to prepare students for the workforce, or reducing administrative delays for teacher certifications, the administration has taken decisive steps to strengthen Pennsylvania’s public education system.
Building on Progress, One Community at a Time
The Governor’s address touched on the broader implications of underfunding schools, describing it as a shared burden for communities and an economic bottleneck for the state. “When we shortchange our students, it’s not just kids who suffer—the entire state pays the price,” said Representative Josh Siegel, who lauded the Governor’s “get stuff done mentality.”
Senator Nick Miller reinforced the importance of sustained advocacy for education, noting, “This year’s budget marked a historic milestone with critical funding for school repairs and infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that students can learn in safe, supportive environments. A quality education is the cornerstone of a thriving society.”
While celebrating these wins, Governor Shapiro and his legislative allies remain focused on the work ahead. State Representative Peter Schweyer acknowledged this commitment, noting, “We have more work to do to make sure every child has the resources to ensure a bright future.”
A Lasting Legacy for Pennsylvania’s Children
The Shapiro Administration’s two-year track record demonstrates that bipartisan cooperation and bold leadership can yield transformative results. With historic investments and initiatives reshaping the commonwealth’s educational landscape, the administration has laid the groundwork for a new era of opportunity for Pennsylvania’s children.
At Harrison-Morton Middle School, the energy was palpable. Students, teachers, and families felt not just a commitment to education but the promise of what’s next. Governor Shapiro closed his visit with a pledge to continue fighting for public education, declaring, “There’s nothing more important than investing in our children and their future. We’ll continue to work together to deliver for them.”
For Pennsylvania, the message is clear—the state’s educational future is brighter than ever. The promise of opportunity is no longer just a goal. It’s here, and it’s happening now.
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