September 02, 2026 - Scranton, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, teachers, students, and local leaders visited Scranton School District's Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Lackawanna County to highlight how the 2026-27 budget signed by the Governor is delivering $678 million in additional funding for Pennsylvania students - building on three years of historic progress to give every student the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.This year's budget continues the Shapiro Administration's work to ensure every student, in every community, has access to a high-quality public education. Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for our schools by more than $3 billion - or nearly 35 percent - since the Governor took office, for a total of $11.85 billion invested into Pennsylvania's students this year."Test scores and graduation rates are going up, attendance is improving, students have expanded access to career and technical education, and more teachers are in our classrooms as a result of my Administration's historic investments in education over the last three years," said Governor Shapiro. "I believe creating opportunity starts in our classrooms and we've been focused on delivering real resources for students, parents, and teachers. We're making a real difference and we're going to keep building on that progress to ensure every Pennsylvania student has the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed."Speakers in Order:Tom Borthwick - President, Scranton School BoardJen Telesco - President, Scranton Federation of TeachersGovernor Josh Shapiro Dr. Carrie Rowe - Secretary, PA Department of EducationDr. Erin Keating - Superintendent, Scranton School DistrictRep. Bridget Kosierowski - PA's 114th House DistrictRep. Kyle Donahue - PA's 113th House District