State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, who represents the 10th District, which encompasses parts of Bucks County, recently raised the issue of supporting school district mergers at the state Senate budget hearing, writes Jan Murphy for The Bradford Era.

Santarsiero asked Pennsylvania’s Acting Education Secretary, Khalid Mumin, about his interest in having the commonwealth help finance the mergers of school districts with declining enrollments.

“One of the issues that frequently stands in their way is the ability to be able to make it work financially,” said Santarsiero.

He highlighted the example of Morrisville and Pennsbury school districts. The two districts have already conducted a feasibility study of a potential merger, but their interest in pursuing it dropped significantly due to the financial challenges it would pose.

Santarsiero asked if the state could provide financial resources that would help mergers overcome financial obstacles.

Mumin noted that while mergers are a local decision, providing a budget line to help districts is a conversation that needs to be had.

“I’m sure there are many other districts among our 500 in the state where this discussion would be beneficial,” said Santarsiero.

Read more about the issue of school-district mergers in The Bradford Era.

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The Pennsbury School Board recently hosted a special meeting to discuss the feasibility of a potential merger with Morrisville.