River Valley School District superintendent Philip Martell has written another op-ed, calling again for a more sensible funding solution for schools in Pennsylvania.
Martell writes that “The current school funding system has become a quiet crisis in many parts of our state.” He says basing school funding on property taxes rather than raising revenue through state taxes is “punishing property owners”, saying the system forces rural districts such as his to provide “21st century education with 20th century funding tools.”
Among the other changes Martell advocates are reducing through consolidation the number of districts from the current 500, and more responsible spending.
Martell writes, “We need a more balanced, predictable system that protects property owners, supports students, and ensures that local communities aren’t constantly forced to choose between raising taxes or cutting programs.’
Philip Martell’s editorial:
2025 07 Time to Modernize School Funding and Stop Punishing Property Owners
