Education Secretary Rivera Discusses Education Priorities, Funding With Northwest PA Superintendent's Consortium

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera this week met with a coalition of Northwestern Pennsylvania superintendents at the state Department of Education, discussing their needs and priorities, Governor Wolf's vision for improving education in the commonwealth, and his commitment to continued investment in our schools.

"Pennsylvania is helping rural schools use technology to improve academic achievements and growth, and an emphasis on hybrid learning gives them the opportunity to educate students in new ways," Rivera said. "It is important that all schools, no matter where they are located, have access to the supports and resources they need to help students graduate college and career ready."

Ten superintendents representing intermediate units 4, 5, 6, 9, 27, and 28 traveled to Harrisburg to discuss expanding educational opportunities for rural students as well as ensuring equitable access to academic supports. Through the Schools That Teach tour, Rivera has met with administrators and educators across the state, enabling the Department to gauge the needs that are unique to each district and intermediate unit, whether in the city, suburbs, or rural areas.

Since taking office, Wolf has secured a historic $640 million investment in public education and an additional $100 million for basic education, $75 million for high quality early childhood education; $25 million in special education; more than $8 million for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

"The Department of Education's priority is ensuring that all of Pennsylvania's school districts receive the assistance and guidance they need to provide a quality education to all of their students," said Rivera. "Through the insight we've gained from educators across the state and continued investments in our schools, the Department is primed to make access to a high-quality education a reality for all Pennsylvanians."

Improving access to quality and innovative programs through enhanced funding is a hallmark of the Schools That Teach initiative, through which Administration officials have visited dozens of schools since 2015. To date, the Schools That Teach tour has made stops at dozens of schools across Pennsylvania. A Google Map of all tour stops is available here.

For more information about Pennsylvania's education policies and programs, or to read Rivera's budget testimony, visit the Department of Education's website at www.education.pa.gov or follow PDE on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.  

MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl Bates-Lee, 717-783-9802

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education