The Mahanoy Area School District has been forced to take out a short-term loan to maintain operations after state legislators failed to pass a budget by the July 1 deadline, creating a significant financial strain for local schools.
With the state budget now more than three months overdue, Mahanoy Area has not received its expected funding from Harrisburg. To cover essential cash flow needs, the district must borrow money at a cost estimated between $7,000 and $10,000—an expense that officials say diverts valuable resources away from classrooms and student programs.
In addition to the borrowing costs, the district has already lost an estimated $13,000 in interest earnings due to the lack of state payments. Those funds, according to district officials, could have otherwise been directed toward educational initiatives and operational needs.
Superintendent Dr. Joie L. Green expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the burden falls unfairly on students and taxpayers.
“We are deeply disappointed that our students and staff are being impacted by legislative inaction,” Dr. Green said. “Our priority remains providing a safe, high-quality learning environment, but the lack of funding forces us to make difficult financial decisions that no school should have to face.”
The district is calling on state lawmakers to reach an agreement and pass a budget that ensures timely and adequate funding for public schools across Pennsylvania.
Until then, Mahanoy Area—and districts across the Commonwealth—remain in limbo, forced to shoulder financial hardships caused by the ongoing stalemate in Harrisburg.