According to the Constitution of the United States, the power to establish and regulate public education is not granted to the Federal Government. Therefore, that power is delegated to the states respectively, or to the people.
In other words, the legal responsibility to provide public education to the children of Pennsylvania falls on the shoulders of the State Government; namely, the governor and the legislature.
Yes, the state government can delegate some of its legal obligation to the people elected at the local level; but, the ultimate responsibility rests with the legislature, the elected representatives of the people.
When the governor's proposed budget does NOT adequately provide the financial support for the proficient operation of the public education system, then that responsibility reverts to the people's elected representatives.
Clearly, Gov. Corbett's proposed budget for next year does NOT adequately fund the local school districts.
Therefore, that responsibility now rests on the shoulders of the State's senators and representatives.
They are ultimately responsible for our children's public schools, but the question is whether or not they will accept their responsibility this year, or just pass the buck again to the local school board members who, unlike the State, lack the taxing power to spread the tax burden equitably.
Will our legislators do what is in the best interests of their constituents or will they just follow their party's leader? We'll know for sure when the State budget is adopted in June.
David L. Faust
Selinsgrove
