Panther Valley School District Superintendent Dave McAndrew traveled to the state Capitol this week to advocate for continued school adequacy funding, because they’re seeing success.

“We’re seeing hope,” he said. “If we don’t sustain this investment we risk losing the very momentum we’ve fought so hard to build. Panther Valley is an economically disadvantaged district.

“Our families, our students — they depend on us, and we depend on the state’s support. We cannot afford to go backward.”

McAndrew, along with other rural school superintendents, talked about how their districts are using the adequacy funds, which go toward leveling out disparities in school and help underfunded districts.

Some districts funded expanded student support services, added needed staffing and updated curriculum with the first year of the adequacy funding from the state.

“Thanks to the state’s investment through the adequacy funding, we were finally able to take steps that made a real, tangible difference in the lives of our students,” McAndrew said.

Panther Valley added a guidance counselor and a social worker, which immediately improved the district’s ability to support student mental health and well-being, he said.

“For many of our children, these professionals have become lifelines,” McAndrew said.

The district, which straddles Carbon and Schuylkill counties, also added a reading teacher, which allowed small group instruction and targeted, focused support, and paraprofessionals to give special education students the assistance and attention they deserve, he said.

“These are not luxuries,” McAndrew said. “These are necessities.”

Panther Valley was also able upgrade its curriculum — some of which was more than 20 years out of date, he said.

“That’s two decades where students were trying to learn in a world that had moved far ahead of the materials they were given,” McAdrew said.

The additional funding is working and they are seeing progress, he said.

“Rural schools across Pennsylvania need continued, equitable investment to ensure that every student — no matter their zip code — has a fair shot at success.” McAndrew said.

Panther Valley was a plaintiff in the fair funding lawsuit, and the Commonwealth Court ruled that the state funding system was unconstitutional.

“Rural district deserve a clear timeline and responsible action from our legislature to ensure fair and adequate funding,” McAndrew said. “I am here today to ask that you meet your constitutional obligation and continue to help rural schools.

“Our children are not asking for more than they deserve. They are asking for what they need. Let’s make sure we give it to them.

If the Legislature passes a budget that aligns with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed educational investment, 243 rural school districts serving 401,761 students could receive a critical investment of $192 million for next school year.