York County News

The debate over educational choice in Pennsylvania is intensifying as supporters push for universal options that allow parents to decide where their children attend school. Representative Joe D’Orsie from the 47th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is advocating for this change, arguing that public support is strong and the only obstacle remains financial interests intertwined with power and politics.

D'Orsie asserts that "a comfortable majority of voters, and an even more lopsided majority of parents of school-age kids, support every form of educational choice here in the Commonwealth." He believes that these preferences are being overshadowed by groups aiming to maintain control over the current education system.

D'Orsie describes educational choice as a "modern-day human rights issue," emphasizing the need to prioritize students' freedom to excel over maintaining outdated systems. He notes that states like Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Utah have successfully implemented robust educational choice programs.

He argues that despite increasing funding—currently at $21,300 per pupil—student outcomes have not improved. "About 2/3 of Pennsylvania fourth graders at the time that I write are not proficient in reading," he points out. Furthermore, he mentions declining enrollment coupled with increased administrative staff as a trend not reflected in teacher salaries.

Studies cited by D'Orsie suggest positive impacts from choice programs on test results and other metrics. According to him, these programs do not harm public schools or neglect rural and special education students.

D'Orsie's proposal includes the Student Freedom Account Act which aims to establish accounts managed by the state Treasurer. This would allow parents to use their tax dollars on educational resources they find most effective for their children. He stresses that doing nothing while continuing to fund an ineffective system is disastrous: "They deserve choice; their parents deserve choice; but most importantly, they deserve the freedom to excel."

For further information or media inquiries regarding this initiative, Greg Gross can be contacted at 717-260-6374.