AICUP Message to Friends of Independent Higher Education
October 31, 2011

 

In a 27-22 vote, the state Senate last week passed the long-awaited plan to implement a new taxpayer funded private school voucher plan for students attending low-performing basic education schools in Pennsylvania.  Sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin), SB 1 was a product of considerable public attention and opposition.  It has three major provisions:  (1) opportunity scholarships, i.e. vouchers; (2) charter school improvements in governance, accountability, and ethical requirements; and (3) tax credits for business contributions to scholarship organizations benefiting eligible children and their families. According to Senator Piccola, this legislation shifts the focus from assisting institutions to assisting and protecting students.  After the vote, Senator Piccola said he “applauds the Senate today for acting in the best interests of every student across this Commonwealth particularly those kids who are trapped in failing schools.” 

Should the Senate-passed bill be enacted into law, beginning with school year 2012-13 low income students currently attending one of the Commonwealth’s 143 low achieving schools will be eligible to receive an opportunity scholarship.  Beginning in FY 2013-14, all low income students residing within the attendance boundaries of one of the low achieving schools, including students attending nonpublic schools, will be eligible to receive an opportunity scholarship.  

Among the many changes in the bill relating to charter schools, the bill specifies that charter and cyber charter schools may enter into concurrent enrollment agreements with an institution of higher education and appropriate credit shall be awarded to students concurrently enrolled under the agreement.  SB 1 establishes a 15 member Charter School Funding Advisory Committee, which includes a representative of various public and nonpublic actors in basic education but also includes a representative of an institution of higher education.  This Committee will review and make recommendations on funding formulas, student residency, transportation, special education funding and eligibility to receive grants and other funding. The Committee is charged with issuing a report related to funding before November 30, 2012.  Charter schools initial term of licensure is expanded from 3 to 5 years and renewal is changed from 5 years to 10 years.

The bill increases tax credits available under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program from $75 million to $100 million beginning in FY 2012-13 and from $100 million to $125 million beginning in FY 2014-15.  Credits would be made available to scholarship organization and educational improvement organizations and prekindergarten scholarship organizations.  Tax credits beginning in FY 2015-16, in any year when the amount of credits for the prior year exceeds 90% of the amount available, the amount of credits available will increase by 5%.

The Senate fiscal note indicates a cost in 2012-13 of $42.6 million rising to an estimated $94.3 million in FY 2015-16.

Did you know?  The next step for SB 1 is consideration by the House Education Committee and then the entire House.  Extensive amendments and debate are expected.

 

 

AICUP Message to Friends of Independent Higher Education
October 31, 2011

 

In a 27-22 vote, the state Senate last week passed the long-awaited plan to implement a new taxpayer funded private school voucher plan for students attending low-performing basic education schools in Pennsylvania.  Sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeff Piccola (R-Dauphin), SB 1 was a product of considerable public attention and opposition.  It has three major provisions:  (1) opportunity scholarships, i.e. vouchers; (2) charter school improvements in governance, accountability, and ethical requirements; and (3) tax credits for business contributions to scholarship organizations benefiting eligible children and their families. According to Senator Piccola, this legislation shifts the focus from assisting institutions to assisting and protecting students.  After the vote, Senator Piccola said he “applauds the Senate today for acting in the best interests of every student across this Commonwealth particularly those kids who are trapped in failing schools.” 

Should the Senate-passed bill be enacted into law, beginning with school year 2012-13 low income students currently attending one of the Commonwealth’s 143 low achieving schools will be eligible to receive an opportunity scholarship.  Beginning in FY 2013-14, all low income students residing within the attendance boundaries of one of the low achieving schools, including students attending nonpublic schools, will be eligible to receive an opportunity scholarship.  

Among the many changes in the bill relating to charter schools, the bill specifies that charter and cyber charter schools may enter into concurrent enrollment agreements with an institution of higher education and appropriate credit shall be awarded to students concurrently enrolled under the agreement.  SB 1 establishes a 15 member Charter School Funding Advisory Committee, which includes a representative of various public and nonpublic actors in basic education but also includes a representative of an institution of higher education.  This Committee will review and make recommendations on funding formulas, student residency, transportation, special education funding and eligibility to receive grants and other funding. The Committee is charged with issuing a report related to funding before November 30, 2012.  Charter schools initial term of licensure is expanded from 3 to 5 years and renewal is changed from 5 years to 10 years.

The bill increases tax credits available under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program from $75 million to $100 million beginning in FY 2012-13 and from $100 million to $125 million beginning in FY 2014-15.  Credits would be made available to scholarship organization and educational improvement organizations and prekindergarten scholarship organizations.  Tax credits beginning in FY 2015-16, in any year when the amount of credits for the prior year exceeds 90% of the amount available, the amount of credits available will increase by 5%.

The Senate fiscal note indicates a cost in 2012-13 of $42.6 million rising to an estimated $94.3 million in FY 2015-16.

Did you know?  The next step for SB 1 is consideration by the House Education Committee and then the entire House.  Extensive amendments and debate are expected.