HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania's new education budget lays the foundation for academic success for all students by providing the largest increase in basic education funding in at least two decades, while also introducing a needs-based school funding formula that directs state dollars into proven programs that reap results for our children, Governor Edward G. Rendell said.

The budget includes an additional $347 million in Pre-K-12 and higher education funding, a 3 percent increase from last year.

The new budget introduces a predictable state funding formula for the first time in nearly two decades. It increases funding for basic education by $274 million, or 5.5 percent, while also continuing to fund successful initiatives that are benefiting children from early childhood through graduation.

In northeast Pennsylvania, the five districts with the largest adequacy gaps will see an average of $364 per pupil in additional state funding next year, or more than $9,000 in additional resources for every class of 25 students. For the seven school districts with the highest tax burden, it would take an average 11 percent property tax increase to generate school revenues equal to this year's basic education subsidy increase.

• The Pleasant Valley School District in Monroe County will be able to expand curriculum offerings through online courses in subjects including trigonometry, economics, earth science and American history.
• Pocono Mountain School District will use some of its state funding to target small group tutoring to 1,323 additional students who are struggling to meet proficiency. The district will be able to provide individualized support to these students while also maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio.