House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

 

As of 2018-19 data, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that the average expenditure for public school transportation was $1,152 per student in the United States. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), only approximately half of a school district’s transportation costs are covered by the pupil transportation subsidy. It is high time Pennsylvania schools reevaluate the most effective ways to save money, which is why I am introducing a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study of the viability, benefits, and costs of establishing consolidated, county-led busing of all private and public school students. 
  
The consolidation of transportation services in Pennsylvania counties has been a topic of discussion for some time now. Currently, Berks and Lancaster County are in the middle of their consolidation process and are expected to save $2.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, over the next five years. If Adams, York, Cumberland, Perry, Franklin, Dauphin, and Lebanon counties were to consolidate their transportation services under one authority, they could save about $2.3 million a year. Imagine the money that could be saved if Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts were to consolidate their transportation services, such as at the county level. 
  
The money saved by consolidating transportation could go towards addressing the needs of our most vulnerable school districts, such as improving health and safety practices in the midst of a global health crisis or even reducing property taxes for residents. 
  
Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure our schools are operating at the most efficient levels.