Creating Opportunity in Schools

Governor Shapiro is working to fully fund our public schools, support our teachers, and empower parents. 

Awarded more than $8 million in School Safety grants from the Department of Education to improve school safety at 166 schools and committed $4.8 million in Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grants for Pennsylvania school employees to receive free safety and security trainings. 

Began to address the teacher shortage by awarding $1.5 million in grant money through the Department of Education for Pennsylvania higher education institutions to partner with local school districts to bolster the special education teacher workforce.  

What else has Governor Shapiro proposed?

• Increasing basic education funding by $567.4 million and a $103.8 million increase for special education funding, as well as a $60 million increase for higher education institutions.  

• $38.5 million to provide universal free breakfast for all Pennsylvania students, regardless of income.  

• Investing millions in job retention and recruitment for new teachers through a refundable tax credit that would put up to $2,500 annually back into their pocket for up to three years.  

• Investing $500 million over the next five years for mental health services for our students, with $100 million to connect students and staff to mental health services.  

• Investing $100 million for Pennsylvania schools to reduce and remediate environmental hazards.  

Hear from Pennsylvanians about the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Work: