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Thorpe weighs in on education plans

It looks like Gov. Tom Wolf wants to put $200 million into public schools, but funding cuts may hit local districts where they need the money the most.

Wolf's plan will focus on special education and early childhood education and funding caregiver help and day services for another 2,000 people with intellectual disabilities or autism."Under the governor's proposed budget, (Jim Thorpe Area School District) will receive an additional $170,000 of funding," Superintendent Brian Gasper said. "Of course, any additional funds to provide programming for our students is welcome."While everyone can agree that more money for education is a great plan, the funding has to come from somewhere. Initial reports say the $200 million boost will partially come from a $50 million cut from school transportation, eliminated tax credits, and the outsourcing of grant programs to unknown third parties, in addition to cutting a $30 million grant to University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school.While Gasper said that Wolf's plan "continues to support his dedication to education in Pennsylvania," he indicated that the school system could be in for some trouble, especially when it comes to some transportation cuts."This is an area that is a possible concern for (the district)," Gasper said. "The plan is lacking specific information to make a determination at this point (the changing of the formula, etc.). There are many variables in the transportation of our students and our contracts, fuel prices, special education, size of the district."