A new report paints a stark picture of educational inequality in Bucks County, where a $36 million state funding shortfall is leaving some students at a disadvantage.
The study from the “A Decade of Stalled Progress” series by Children First Pa shows how property tax gaps create unfair school funding, hurting students’ chances of success.
The findings reveal a dramatic funding gap among Bucks County’s 13 school districts.
For instance, Bristol Township’s property tax rate of 22.5 mills generates roughly $13,476 per student, while New Hope-Solebury’s 13.3-mill rate produces $32,647 per student.
These imbalances create stark contrasts in educational resources, with districts serving higher numbers of low-income students often struggling to provide adequate support.
The consequences are tangible. In districts like Bristol Township, Bensalem Township, and Bristol Borough—where over 25% of students live below the poverty line—less than 45% of third graders read at grade level.
Just a few miles north in Palisades and Central Bucks, nearly all third graders pass reading assessments, illustrating how geography dictates academic outcomes.
Children First Pa’s report outlines five key steps to bridge the Bucks County state funding gap and improve education outcomes:
- Close the funding shortfall by 2029-2030 to ensure schools are fully staffed, and resources are equitably distributed.
- Standardize high-quality curricula in English and Math, aligning with industry standards.
- Fully fund teacher stipends to attract and retain educators, particularly in underfunded districts.
- Reform cyber charter tuition payments to reflect actual student needs, preventing financial drain on public schools.
- Expand funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to enhance workforce readiness with modern equipment and training.
Additionally, the report urges school districts to invest in targeted tutoring and teacher training for students facing severe academic challenges, especially those from low-income backgrounds.
