State Rep. Johanny Cepeda‑Freytiz has proposed installing panic buttons in every classroom (“Panels eye school cellphone bans, silent alarms,” Reading Eagle, Nov. 20). It is certainly motivated by concern for student safety. Yet the more troubling issue is the pattern of unfunded mandates being passed from Harrisburg to our local school districts. These mandates drive up noninstructional costs and ultimately lead to property tax increases for homeowners.
When the Legislature requires new safety protocols, equipment or staffing without providing dedicated funding, school districts must absorb the cost from their general budgets. That often forces spending cuts in instruction, support services or facility maintenance. And when there is no more budget to trim, districts raise property taxes. In Berks County and across Pennsylvania this dynamic is raising the burden on homeowners.
Safety initiatives like emergency panic buttons carry long-term expenses for installation, monitoring, training and maintenance. If the state mandates such measures, it should cover the full cost. Otherwise these mandates become hidden tax hikes on local communities.
We can and should support stronger school safety measures. But lawmakers must ensure funding follows their mandates so our children are protected in safe classrooms and homeowners are not saddled with avoidable tax increases.
Andrew Price
Lower Heidelberg Township