Harrisburg City School District ends receivership after significant recovery

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved the end of Receivership for Harrisburg City School District, effective June 17. Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe announced this development, highlighting it as a historic achievement for the district.

"With today's declaration, Harrisburg City School District will become the first school district in history to end Receivership. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedicated school leaders who are committed to serving the learners in their community," said Acting Secretary Rowe.

The district's journey into financial recovery began in December 2012 and transitioned into Receivership by June 2019. Since then, significant progress has been made under a three-year Receivership term approved in 2022. The district has updated facilities and infrastructure through a capital plan and maintained positive fund balances of at least five percent of annual expenditures for three consecutive years. Additionally, there have been three years of fiscal audits with no findings, along with systemic improvements in financial and operational areas.

PDE recognized the leadership efforts that contributed to this success: "When the district entered financial recovery in 2012, it was a very different district than the one we see today. After many years of hard work and collaboration, the district implemented a financial model that other distressed districts can follow. PDE applauds the individuals who drove this work, including the Superintendent, School Board, Receiver, and Chief Recovery Officer, for their leadership, vision, and tenacity."

Speakers at this announcement included Harrisburg School Board President Roslyn Copeland; Dr. Lori A. Suski, Receiver for Harrisburg School District; Dr. Benjamin Henry, Superintendent; Senator Patty Kim; and Representative Dave Madsen.