By Tribune-Review

Published: Thursday, January 24, 2013, 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Jan. 20 article “Many Alle-Kiski school districts challenge private charter, cyber schools” perpetuates the gross inaccuracy that charter schools are private. There is no such thing as a “private charter school.“

All charter schools are Local Education Agencies and are designated as public schools by the Pennsylvania Legislature and the courts. Charters are paid for by taxpayer dollars, are accountable to the same state testing requirements as traditional public schools, and cannot charge tuition or discriminate in admission.

It is particularly unfortunate that an assistant school superintendent uses the inaccurate designation, which the writer used without question multiple times. The article then makes the ludicrous implication that the district can provide the same quality level of education for $250-$300 that a cyber school does.

Unfortunately, this article merely reinforces the fact that many districts are starting cyber programs to save money rather than to provide their students better-quality educational options. Ultimately, parents should decide which option is providing the best learning environment and educational foundation for their children.

Robert Fayfich

West Chester

The writer is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools.

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