After Pennsylvania’s FY25/26 budget passed earlier this month, 135 days after it was due on June 30th, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Representative Jim Prokopiak (D-140) are thrilled to announce $1.5 million in additional funding for Morrisville schools. The budget impasse was causing challenges and disruptions in services for social service agencies, schools and especially financially strapped districts like Morrisville Borough School District.
Credit: State Sen. Santarsiero
“I’ve heard from Morrisville residents who were justifiably concerned that their school district would not be able to operate past January without state and federal funds. This budget means that the students, parents, and staff at Morrisville will no longer have to worry that their schools will close their doors next year. Keeping Morrisville open was a key priority for me and Representative Prokopiak in this budget process. A school district having to face closure in response to a budget impasse is unprecedented and I am pleased that we were able to collaborate with Senate and House colleagues to resolve this crisis.”
Representative Prokopiak said “I want to thank Senator Santarsiero for his successful efforts in securing the 1.5 million dollar grant for the Morrisville schools, and for his tireless advocacy for students and taxpayers in Bucks County. These sorely needed funds will help give the Morrisville school district the flexibility they need to provide for essential services for students and helping to ensure that every student has an opportunity to succeed. Senator Santarsiero and I will continue to fight for the students and taxpayers for Morrisville in these challenging times.”
Earlier this month, Superintendent of Schools Andrew Doster said if state funding didn’t come to the school district schools could very well be closed.
For many years Morrisville has been persistently underfunded in its state allocation. For instance, a similarly sized and similar socio-economic school district nearby receives $3 million more in state funds annually than Morrisville receives. Each year, Senator Santarsiero, along with the House member representing Morrisville, has worked through the budget process to secure additional funds for Morrisville, while also working to fix the specific problem in the funding formula that shortchanges Morrisville compared to its peers.
File Image state Rep Jim Prokopiak
Superintendent of Morrisville Schools Dr. Andrew Doster had to announce last week that, without state funding, Morrisville Schools would have to close on January 30th. With the passage of the state budget, this crisis has been averted. “It is a huge sense of relief to hear the state budget has passed and knowing there are additional dollars allocated for our district,” said Dr. Doster. “We have had to make dozens of changes to ensure that students are getting what they need. With the budget passed and additional dollars allocated to Morrisville, we are able to plan for the remainder of this year and into the 2026-2027 school year. I appreciate the continued communication from our legislators directly to me over the last few weeks. It has allowed me to be transparent with our district and surrounding community.”
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