Letter to the editor: Cyber charter reform needed

The information revealed in a recent state audit of cyber charter schools should alarm every Pennsylvania taxpayer. These schools were so awash in excess funding that they had accumulated fund balances of $619 million in June 2023. This is money that should have been used for education or returned to local school districts and taxpayers.

The audit also exposed troubling spending patterns, including Commonwealth Charter Academy’s $354.3 million Capital Projects Fund used to purchase 21 buildings. This massive real estate expansion raises serious questions about the appropriate use of tax dollars by an online school.

While cyber charters amass huge surpluses, local school districts struggle to maintain programs and staff while paying ever-increasing cyber charter tuition bills. Last year, Fox Chapel School District sent $879,414.65 to cyber schools; Pittsburgh Public Schools sent $37,307,655.33, paying far and above what it actually costs cyber charter schools to educate students.

This system is harmful to public education and taxpayers across Pennsylvania.

House Bill 1500, which has already passed the House, would implement crucial reforms including:

• Aligning cyber charter tuition with actual online education costs. (It is estimated schools would save about 66% of that amount if HB 1500 is implemented.)

• Requiring transparency in cyber charter spending.

• Implementing enrollment limits for under­performing schools.

• Mandating regular student wellness checks.

• Establishing proper oversight mechanisms.

We strongly urge our state senators to pass HB 1500 and end the wasteful spending of our education tax dollars.

Cheryl R. Towers

Pittsburgh

Nancy Weinstein

Fox Chapel

The writers are co-presidents of the Fox Chapel Area chapter of the American Association of University Women.