A local lawmaker looks to join an effort to provide extra financial help to struggling school districts, including Reading.
State Sen. Judy Schwank, a Ruscombmanor Township Democrat, said she is preparing to introduce legislation to create the Priority Assistance Grant for Education program.
A total of $30 million would be handed out to 18 school districts that are in academic or financial distress.
"It's something that could give them a shot in the arm," she said Monday night.
The grants would be handed out to 18 districts, including Reading, to be spent on programs such as full-day kindergarten, class size reductions or tutoring initiatives. It is unclear how much each district would receive.
State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, a York Democrat, has already proposed the grant program in the state House.
Schwank said Reading fits the profile of a distressed school district, both financially and academically. She said she met recently with school district officials to discuss the district's current financial situation.
"It's a daunting task to make it through the end of the year," she said, adding that state funding will likely remain flat or decrease next school year.
Reading School District officials could not be reached.
Schwank said she has sent out a letter to fellow senators seeking co-signers for the legislation. She said she isn't sure how soon a bill could be passed, but added that the school districts need the money as soon as possible.
"It is urgent," she said. "We absolutely need to look at shoring up these school districts. It's kind of like 'pay now or pay later.' "