Vereb to Introduce Resolution Seeking School Consolidation Study
HARRISBURG — State Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery) today announced he plans to introduce a resolution in the state House calling on a bipartisan agency of the state Legislature to produce a study examining the feasibility of consolidating school districts in Pennsylvania.
“It’s worth considering the concept of school consolidation if it could result in lower property taxes,” said Vereb.
Pennsylvania currently has 500 school districts. Vereb’s resolution would call on the Joint State Government Commission, a bipartisan and bicameral legislative agency, to study the viability of consolidating school districts or the services they offer.
Vereb noted there may be opportunities for savings by consolidating some of the administrative functions currently handled separately by school districts.
He also noted that consolidating the purchasing functions of one or more school districts could lead to lower prices.
“Customers who shop at Costco or Sam’s Club take advantage of the lower prices offered when they purchase bulk orders,” Vereb said. “This study would look at whether or not school districts could save money by consolidating their purchasing orders and buying in bulk.”
Vereb acknowledged this isn’t the first time school consolidation has been considered in the state Capitol. He hopes the study will be able to show whether or not school consolidation is an effective way to save taxpayer money.
“People are often reluctant to consolidate school districts because they have pride in their local schools and that’s part of their identity. That’s completely understandable,” Vereb said. “This study may show that our school pride is costing us more money than taxpayers would have to pay if school districts were consolidated.”
Vereb currently is seeking co-sponsors in the state House for his legislation.
Representative Mike Vereb
150th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
DMassing@PaHouseGop.com
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