Harrisburg Schools Exit Receivership, Regain Local Control

The Harrisburg School District will exit state receivership on June 17-18, 2025, returning governance to its elected school board after six years under state control for financial and academic difficulties. This is the first time a Pennsylvania district has successfully completed receivership, attributed to achievements such as balanced budgets and stabilized operations. Despite fiscal progress, academic performance, particularly test scores, remains a concern. The district will undergo a five-year state monitoring period, overseen by a recovery officer from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Officials, including Acting Secretary Carrie Rowe and Superintendent Benjamin Henry, praised the milestone but stressed ongoing academic needs. The immediate change is a transition from a court-appointed receiver to full local board governance.