Susan Spicka: Rural Schools Report shines light on need to rethink funding for public schools
Susan Spicka is the executive director of Education Voters of Pennsylvania, and she has read the report about rural schools in the state.
It is disheartening to learn that students attending rural school districts across the state continue to grapple with limited internet access and lack crucial school-based resources such as psychologists and counselors. These students deserve the same opportunities and resources as their non-rural counterparts. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges, leaving many students without the necessary tools for remote learning and support for their mental health.
Rural districts, which serve as the foundation of rural communities and play a vital role in preparing children for higher education and future employment, are operating on an unequal playing field. The report emphasizes the need for increased investment and support in these communities. Basic internet access should be as readily available as electricity or water in every 21st-century school building and in every student’s home. Students should not have to travel long distances to access assignments or struggle with limited connectivity.