Shapiro Administration: Penn Hills School District Exits Financial Recovery

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Pittsburgh, PA - Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin today announced that Penn Hills School District has successfully exited Financial Recovery status. The district's removal from Financial Recovery is effective today, May 23, 2024.

"It's always a great day when a school district is released from Financial Recovery; it's a day to celebrate achievement, while looking toward a prosperous and positive tomorrow," said Secretary Mumin. "The Pennsylvania Department of Education applauds the district for its steadfast commitment to the community it serves, and we look forward to continued partnership moving into this new chapter."

Penn Hills School District is the third district to be released from Financial Recovery. York City School District and Scranton School District exited Financial Recovery in December 2022 and January 2023, respectively. Erie Public Schools exited Financial Watch status in September 2022.

"As we move forward, our focus will be on sustaining this financial stability while continuing to provide high-quality education for all our students," said Superintendent Dr. John Mozzocio. "The Penn Hills School District will continue to practice transparency and accountability to ensure that our district remains financially healthy and able to meet the needs of our students."

Penn Hills School District entered recovery in February 2019 after experiencing financial difficulties. As part of its recovery plan, the district has stabilized its fund balance, addressed its academic challenges, and increased accountability and professional development opportunities. The district will now enter a five-year monitoring period in continued collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

"There are school districts across the state, not in financial recovery status, struggling with the financial void created by the end of ESSER funds; yet Penn Hills SD, a financially distressed district for years, has accelerated its recovery efforts during this same time. I think that's very impressive," said Chief Recovery Officer Dr. Daniel Matsook. "This turnaround doesn't happen without the various people in leadership positions who made prudent decisions along the way; it starts and ends with the Board of Directors."

Governor Josh Shapiro is committed to ensuring Pennsylvania's public schools have the funding and technical assistance they need to provide a world-class education to the Commonwealth's 1.7 million learners. His 2023-24 budget secured more than $10 billion for K-12 public education funding, and his 2024-25 budget proposal requests a nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding-the largest in Pennsylvania history. The proposal also includes $300 million for school environmental repairs, $100 million for mental health supports in schools, a $50 million increase for special education funding, and a $50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements.

Penn Hills School District serves the second-largest community in Allegheny County, with three buildings currently housing over 3,000 students.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Education, please visit the Department of Education website or follow PDE on InstagramOpens In A New Window, FacebookOpens In A New Window, TwitterOpens In A New Window, YouTubeOpens In A New Window, or PinterestOpens In A New Window.

MEDIA CONTACT: Casey Smith, [email protected]

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