The basic education line item in the governor’s budget proposal is $6.86 billion, an increase of $114.6 million for public schools. This is in addition to $119 million in Public School Employees Retirement System contributions by the state. The state portion of school employee pensions is$2.75 billion. To discuss public education funding are: Hannah Barrick, Asst. Executive Director of the PA Assoc. of School Business Officials, Edward Albert, Executive Director of the PA Association for Rural and Small Schools; and John Callahan, Chief, Advocacy Officer, with the PA School Boards Association.  This PCN Call-in Program aired Monday, Feb. 10. Topics included charter schools, the property tax, and how public money is appropriated.