Bill > SB969

This bill establishes the Educational Freedom for Families Program, which creates a student education savings account (ESA) system for eligible students in Pennsylvania, primarily targeting students from low-performing schools and low-income households. The program allows families to use state education funds for various qualified educational expenses, including private school tuition, standardized assessment fees, curriculum materials, tutoring, homeschooling costs, online learning programs, and educational technology. The Department of Education will administer the program, establishing accounts for eligible students that receive funding equivalent to the state's average per-pupil subsidy, which can be used across different educational providers. The bill also includes provisions to streamline charter school applications, support homeschooling by providing resources, enhance STEM programs in underperforming schools, and create a Teacher Excellence Incentive Fund that offers performance-based financial incentives to educators based on metrics like student test scores, academic growth, and graduation rates. Importantly, the program includes accountability measures such as annual audits, reporting requirements, and consequences for misuse of funds. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with the primary goals of increasing educational flexibility, improving educational outcomes, and promoting equity across school districts.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=969