They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For Gov. Josh Shapiro, it was a big one.
Shapiro visited George W. Childs Elementary School in South Philly’s Point Breeze neighborhood to serve free breakfast to hundreds of students and highlight how his budget proposal will create opportunities for children throughout the state.
Shapiro’s budget proposal includes significant investments to fully fund public schools, support teachers and provide high-quality, affordable and accessible childcare and early learning opportunities for families.
He was joined in South Philly on June 7 by Secretary of Education Khalid Mumin, Rep. Jordan Harris, Sen. Tony Williams and School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington Jr.
“Ensuring all Pennsylvania children have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed is critical to our commonwealth’s future,” Shapiro said. “And since taking office, my administration has worked to create opportunity for every child by investing in our K-12 schools. From delivering the largest increase in K-12 basic education funding in Pennsylvania history to securing universal free breakfast for 1.7 million K-12 students, we are giving every student the tools they need to succeed.”
According to most studies, a nutritious breakfast helps fuel students’ minds for a productive day at school.
“Ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania begins their school day with a nutritious breakfast is crucial,” Harris said. “It’s more than just combating hunger; it’s about nurturing minds, promoting equality and laying the foundation for academic success. Offering free breakfast in schools is a vital step towards creating a brighter and healthier future for all students.”
Shapiro’s budget proposal includes $1.1 billion in new funding for K-12 education programs; $300 million for environmental school repairs; a $50 million increase in special education funding; a $50 million investment in school safety and security improvements; $30 million in Pre-K programs for teacher recruitment and retention; and $15 million for student-teacher stipends.
“My budget proposal this year builds on the historic progress we’ve made and delivers a comprehensive solution for education in Pennsylvania, with a nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding and increased investments in Pennsylvania students, teachers and safe and healthy classrooms,” Shapiro said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to do right by our kids, and my budget delivers for them.”
Last year’s budget represented historic investments in K-12 education, including the largest single-year increase in the basic education funding formula in state history, delivering universal free breakfast for 1.7 million students, funding for school building repairs and an increase for mental health resources in schools.
“Since taking office, the Shapiro administration has shown a historic commitment to Pennsylvania’s public schools, as evidenced by the largest increase in school funding in history and the first-ever budget line item dedicated to providing free breakfast to all students,” Mumin said. “As a former teacher and administrator, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible benefits that come from investing in our schools. Giving learners the resources they need while they’re in school — whether that’s new textbooks, expanded course offerings or a nutritious meal — helps them focus on learning today to reach infinite possibilities of success tomorrow.”
Infrastructure upgrades have become an issue due to the aging buildings within the district. The School District of Philadelphia would receive a $245 million increase through the governor’s 2024-25 budget if enacted. The governor’s budget also proposes a $50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements and $300 million in sustainable funding for environmental repair projects in school buildings to address the environmental issues.
The students at George W. Childs Elementary School got to witness the plan in action as breakfast was served.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the governor in greeting the next generation of greatness. This event highlights the importance of providing free school breakfast to ensure every student starts their day with a healthy meal,” Williams said. “Additionally, it emphasizes the need for adequate education funding, as it plays a crucial role in preparing our students for a successful future. By investing in education and supporting initiatives like free school breakfast, we are investing in the potential of our youth and working towards creating a brighter future for all.”
