These days, the political discourse over how (and how much) to fund public education is often driven by emotions and ideology, not cold hard numbers. But in Pennsylvania, thanks to a Commonwealth Court decision, lawmakers have been ordered to do the opposite — make sober, equitable decisions — when it comes to school funding.

That court order, which came down in 2023, was the result of a prolonged lawsuit brought against the state government by the Education Law Center of Pennsylvania (ELC-PA), along with its co-counsels on the case, O’Melveny & Meyers and the Public Interest Law Center. Filed in 2014, the suit argued that Harrisburg had been woefully underfunding schools, in both red and blue districts, for decades. The judge resoundingly agreed with ELC-PA.

“The 2023 court ruling declaring Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional was historic,” says Deborah Gordon Klehr, executive director of the Education Law Center. “Now the challenge is ensuring lawmakers act so every child has the resources they need to succeed.”

Before ELC-PA’s landmark victory, several other lawsuits dating back to the 1970s had tried, but failed, to upend the same school-funding mechanisms in Pennsylvania. As a result of the lawsuit, in 2024, Democrats and Republicans struck an agreement to remedy the funding shortfall. A bipartisan commission estimated that roughly $4.5 billion would have to be invested in public schools to address the unconstitutional funding system. And in last year’s state budget, lawmakers made the first down payment toward reaching that goal, increasing school funding by $526 million through a new “adequacy” line item.

Of course, nothing is straightforward in Harrisburg. Advocates were anticipating a second down payment in the state budget for this current fiscal year. However, lawmakers have yet to reach a budget deal — blowing through their fiscal deadline of June 30 — which has led to some uncertainty over what’ll shake out for public schools.

“Right now, we are focused on getting the state to comply,” says Klehr, who has been part of a renewed advocacy push in Harrisburg from public education supporters. “And we don’t do that work alone.”

On September 25, ELC-PA will celebrate its 50th anniversary and simultaneously honor some of its ardent supporters at a party held at the Switch House by Cescaphe. The organization will commemorate the milestone by recognizing three honorees in particular, each of whom is a longtime part of ELC-PA’s coalition of partners and supporters: Jolley Bruce Christman, co-founder of Research For Action; Jennifer Rice, co-founder of the Forman Arts Initiative (and a Citizen board member); and the William Penn Foundation. Citizen co-founder Larry Platt and Executive Editor Roxanne Patel Shepelavy are part of the host committee.

“ELC-PA has been at the forefront of landmark education cases and reforms, from, in our early years, dismantling discriminatory practices in Philadelphia schools, to taking on statewide funding inequities today. We’re taking a moment to celebrate our 50th anniversary, and then it’s back to work.” — Deborah Gordon Klehr, executive director of the Education Law Center.

While their work extends far beyond the scope of ELC-PA, Klehr notes how each honoree has individually contributed to the nonprofit’s work — including the historic fair-funding lawsuit — in different ways. For example, Research For Action, co-founded by Christman, has published numerous findings about “fair funding” formulas, research which informed areas of the lawsuit. William Penn has directly funded their advocacy work over the years. And Rice, according to Klehr, is a frequently sought-after thought partner for ELC-PA when it comes to solutions around equitable education.

“These are three extraordinary champions who embody the values at the heart of ELC-PA’s mission,” says Klehr.

• Jolley Bruce Christman: Christman, who got her start as a teacher inside Philly schools, went on to co-found Research for Action in 1992. The nonprofit continues to be focused on producing research that strengthens education and informs public policy. Additionally, Christman spent 30 years at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, mentoring future educators and researchers. Even in retirement, she hasn’t slowed down, serving on the boards of various colleges and community arts organizations, including as the board president at Fleisher Art Memorial and Randolph College.

“Jolley embodies the values of collaboration, rigorous research, mentorship and civic leadership that drive meaningful change in education,” Klehr says.

• Jennifer Rice: A tireless advocate, Rice has worked on numerous projects to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania have access to high-quality public education. Rice is a former board chair of The Philadelphia School and the co-founder of the Forman Arts Initiative, where she’s been a key player in elevating and creating sustainable cultural spaces throughout the city. In 2023, she and her husband, Michael Forman, were honored with an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of the Arts for those efforts. Rice is also deeply involved in advocacy work around women’s rights and animal welfare. Just last year, she was named a Gender Equity Champion by Women’s Way.

“Jennifer inspires others to take equity-focused action across arts, education and community initiatives. She has really made a tangible difference for students and families,” says Klehr.

• The William Penn Foundation: One of ELC-PA’s most substantial and longstanding partners, William Penn has directly supported the nonprofit’s work on fair school funding. Beyond that, the foundation has been a driving force behind educational programs throughout Philadelphia, including the expansion of citywide Pre-K. Working alongside a range of partners, the Foundation invests in initiatives that create lasting impact across multiple areas — arts and culture, children and families, democracy and civic engagement, the environment, public spaces, and workforce development.

“William Penn has been a transformative partner in supporting systemic reforms that benefit thousands of Pennsylvania students,” says Klehr. “They exemplify how strategic philanthropy can drive lasting systemic change.”

The 50th anniversary celebration will also be a time to reflect on a half-century’s worth of work from ELC-PA. In 1975, the same year that ELC-PA was founded, Congress passed the groundbreaking legislation known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which enshrined the rights of students with disabilities for the first time on a federal level. Ever since, ELC-PA has been working to improve the educational outcomes of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including students with disabilities.

“ELC-PA has been at the forefront of landmark education cases and reforms, from, in our early years, dismantling discriminatory practices in Philadelphia schools, to taking on statewide funding inequities today,” says Klehr. “We’re taking a moment to celebrate our 50th anniversary, and then it’s back to work.”

The Education Law Center 50th Anniversary Celebration is Thursday, September 25, 5:30pm – 8:30pm, Switch House by Cescaphe, 1325 Beach Street. Visit here for sponsorship inquiries.

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