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William Penn Schools Warn Cash Will Run Out by Late January Without State Budget

Frozen state aid during Pennsylvania’s budget standoff is straining a district that depends on those dollars for most of its revenue.

Overview

  • William Penn says it can operate only through Jan. 31 using local taxes and a $9.9 million loan, with about $6 million in monthly costs.
  • With state allocations frozen more than 100 days past the budget deadline, the district is missing funds that normally cover roughly 55% of its $119 million budget.
  • The school board approved a resolution urging lawmakers to pass a budget, comply with the court’s fair‑funding mandate, and release any federal dollars owed to districts.
  • Superintendent Eric Becoats has consulted the lawyers from the funding lawsuit as the underfunded district, short about $28 million by adequacy measures, trims staff, transportation, and programs.
  • The strain extends statewide, with Philadelphia authorizing up to $1.5 billion in short‑term borrowing that will cost $30 million, while William Penn says a tentative teacher deal with a 3% raise remains intact.