STATE ADDRESSES FUNDING FOR APPROVED PRIVATE SCHOOLS

 HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – State Sen. Connie Williams said efforts in Harrisburg to resolve funding issues dealing with Approved Private Schools – schools that provide education to special needs children and those with severe disabilities – have advanced, but added she would continue to monitor the progress.

 “Overall, the state budget did address funding for APS and provides money to begin repaying what is owed to some of these schools,” Williams said. “I am pleased that my efforts on behalf of these schools, the students and their families have made a difference, but I am not ready to close the book on the issue yet. I will continue to monitor the repayment and will work to ensure that each of these schools is paid the money owed them.”

 Williams, who has been a vocal supporter of better funding for APS, worked diligently in Harrisburg to bring the issue to the forefront. She co-sponsored legislation to change the funding formula and that legislation, along with input from the administration, became the basis for the new funding formula that was adopted.

 Funding for APS was increased by $20 million in the 2004-05 state spending plan, including a $6.9 million appropriation for the reconciliation of past accounts owed the school through the audit resolution fund.

 “The $6.9 million will not repay what is owed – around $50 million – which is why I will continue to speak out on this issue in Harrisburg,” Williams said. “The schools have already spent this money to educate Pennsylvania children. We must ensure they are reimbursed in full and that these schools remain available.”

 Williams noted that APS provide important educational opportunities to Pennsylvania children.

 “I have visited some of these schools, spoken with staff at the school and with parents,” Williams said. “APS are a valuable resource that provides opportunities for students that will allow them to achieve their full potential. They are an important part of Pennsylvania’s constitutionally mandated ‘thorough and efficient system of public education.’”