PA HR377

Directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an effectiveness audit on all existing incentives for public school district consolidation and shared services, examining why current programs are not being utilized.

Pennsylvania's school districts declined from a peak of 2,599 to approximately 500 today, with the most significant reduction (from 2,277 to 669) occurring under consolidation laws of 1961 and 1963.

No school districts have voluntarily consolidated since 2009, despite rising property taxes, increasing costs, and declining enrollments—particularly in rural districts.

The audit must review other states' programs for incentivizing school district consolidation and shared services and provide recommendations for improving Pennsylvania's approach.

The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee must submit a report of findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year of the resolution's adoption.