Decision to Close Mont Alto Rushed, Ill-Conceived, Reichard, Kauffman Say

May 14, 2025

HARRISBURG – Penn State’s intention to close its Mont Alto branch campus was poorly thought out and would be detrimental to our community, said Reps. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) and Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin). They released the following statement:

“From the start, this process has been conducted under a shroud with very little, if any, transparency. This was a poor, rushed process that failed to take into account how a decision in State College would impact the lives of residents and students of Franklin County. By the sounds of it, administrators looked at numbers and neglected to take into account how such a major decision would affect students and communities. Our students, faculty and staff deserve better.

“Mont Alto has been and continues to be a beacon of learning in Franklin County. It provides work-ready employees who fill jobs here and elsewhere. Local high school students rely on the campus for advanced learning as they prepare for post-secondary schooling.

“With a vote by the board of trustees pending, we will continue to fight against this rushed decision and will advocate to keep Mont Alto open. We strongly urge the trustees to reject the president’s proposal and do a more in-depth study that truly examines the impact that Mont Alto and all branch campus have on local communities.”

Representative Chad Reichard
90th Legislative District
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374, ggross@pahousegop.com

Representative Rob Kauffman
89th District
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840, tlehman@pahousegop.com