Watro Announces More Than $15 Million Funding Increase for Hazleton Area School District

November 25, 2025

HARRISBURG – With the passage of the 2025-26 state budget, Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) announced the Hazleton Area School District will receive an increase of more than $15 million.

“This budget again funds Pennsylvania school districts at record levels, with the Hazleton Area School District benefiting from an overall 16.5% hike in needed financial resources,” said Watro.

Within that overall total is additional money for several key education areas:

• The school district will receive $71.09 million in Basic Education Funding, which is a $1.7 million increase over last year. This money is primarily used for student instruction, support services and the operation of noninstructional services (such as building maintenance and utilities).
• To help address the increasing number of students with special needs within the district, special education funding will increase by $501,000, or 6.8%, to $7.93 million.
• Finally, a there will be a $12.3 million increase – which is a nearly 88% boost – of the school district’s Ready to Learn Block Grant funding, which will rise to a total of $26.4 million. This grant funding is used to support programs that enhance high-quality academics, foster supportive learning environments and improve student outcomes.

“This significant investment reflects the community’s growing student population and the need to support safe, effective learning environments,” Watro said.

Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com
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