William Penn School District Nears January Cash Runout Amid Pennsylvania Budget Deadlock

The William Penn School District in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, which educates about 4,500 students, faces a severe financial crisis due to the ongoing state budget impasse, with state funding comprising 55% of its $119 million operating budget. Superintendent Eric Becoats warned that without an approved state budget, the district can only continue operating through the end of January 2025, after which it will enter "uncharted territory." The district has already taken out a $9.9 million loan and implemented cuts to staffing, transportation, and programs but remains underfunded by approximately $28 million annually. The district was a plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit declaring Pennsylvania's school funding system unconstitutional, yet the budget stalemate has stalled necessary reforms and funding. School leaders urged state lawmakers to pass a budget immediately to avoid jeopardizing educational initiatives and to comply with court mandates on fair funding. The situation highlights the broader impact of Pennsylvania's delayed budget on public education, with officials calling for transparency and urgent legislative action to prevent school closures and further financial strain on local taxpayers.