Quality schools are vital for Pennsylvania’s economic future and for the health of the Commonwealth’s communities.  Dan Onorato knows that education is the lynchpin of the decisions that will drive Pennsylvania’s progress: for businesses searching for the workforce that will fuel their growth, for adults choosing where to raise their family, and for industries that can only thrive in places rich in entrepreneurship and innovation.

As a member of Pittsburgh City Council representing the North Side, Dan saw the positive impact of high-quality early childhood education on children from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Dan brought this commitment to ensuring that all children receive a good start in school to his role as Allegheny County Executive, where he has championed programs that increase literacy and that provide academic, after-school and social service support to the county’s families.

 Dan’s highest education priorities are to double the number of children in early childhood programs over the next 10 years and to continue implementing the school funding formula based on the Legislature’s Costing Out Report, which is essential to relieving the burden on local property taxes and increasing student achievement.