A bill that would require school districts to post its curriculum and textbook names online is headed to the governor’s desk, where it seems destined for a veto.

The bill, passed by the Senate 28-21 last week, requires school districts to post its curriculum and textbook names online.

State Rep. Andrew Lewis, a Dauphin County Republican, said he introduced the bill to give parents greater transparency over what is being taught in schools.

“Across Pennsylvania there is currently no standardized, simple and user-friendly way for parents to review the curriculum that will be taught to their children for the upcoming school year,” Lewis said in a memorandum supporting the legislation. “This leaves many parents frustrated and feeling out of the loop, not knowing the content of lesson plans and textbooks that will be provided to their children.”

Information that would be required to be posted, according to the bill, includes a link or title to textbooks, course syllabus, state academic standard to each instructional course, and a course summary. A school administrative official is responsible for periodically updating the information.

The law, if signed, will kick in for the 2022-23 school year and also impact charter schools, intermediate units and career and technical centers.

On Monday, the vote in the Senate went along party lines, 28-21, with local Republican Dave Argall and Independent John Yudichak voting in favor.

“As the son of a school librarian,” Argall said, “I supported this bill because I feel it is important to ensure that parents have a say in how their children are educated. The bill requires materials be posted online by a school administrator, to prevent placing another burden on our teachers.”

The bill, following its passage in the Senate, went back to the House, where it was passed, again along party lines, 112-88 by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Now that the bill has passed the Senate and House, Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to veto it. Elizabeth Rementer, spokesperson for the governor’s office, said in a statement that the bill equates to “an unfunded mandate.”

“It is a potentially harmful means to incite further resistance to ensuring all learners have access to historically accurate content that reflects the diverse identities and experiences of Pennsylvania’s students and families,” Rementer said.

Jim Thorpe Superintendent John Rushefski said the district would welcome the initiative, should Wolf sign it.

“We really believe that the ability to have information available online is critical for parents and students,” Rushefski said. “Yesterday (Thursday), for example, we were fully remote and if this allows parents the ability to help work with their son or daughter, we welcome that. Many of the textbooks that we are buying have electronic resources as well. I don’t think this is going to be a tall order.”

Rushefski added that Jim Thorpe recently purchased a new website that it is looking to populate over the next few months with much of the information required in the bill.

“I think this initiative fits right into our plan,” he said. “With our one-to-one initiative, we need to make this information available and I don’t see how students are going to learn as effectively if we create obstacles.”

Before introducing the bill in April, Lewis said he had spoken with the parents of a young student who were dismayed to learn about what was being taught to their son on a specific topic.

“They had no idea this was included in his curriculum until they reviewed his homework,” Lewis said. “By empowering parents with this information before the school year starts, we can ensure that curriculum and lesson plans being taught in our public schools are in line with the educational objectives and wishes of parents. Parents across our communities will be able to easily review these materials and provide feedback to school district officials before the next school year starts.”