Recently, the Hempfield Area School Board sent a letter discouraging families from choosing public cybercharter schools, which are often the best educational opportunities for their children. I have worked within a public cybercharter school for 15 years. As public school educators, it is our responsibility to both ensure all students have high quality educational opportunities and ensure accurate information is provided.
In its letter, the school board claims public cybercharter schools may force the district to raise taxes. But the district saves over $7,500 for every student who attends a public cybercharter school. In 2018-19, the district had nearly $95.7 million in total expenditures. Of that, only 2.4% went to reimburse public cybercharter schools. Of the total expenditures, 4.5% went to administrative costs, 8.7% went to maintenance of buildings and grounds, 9.4% went to debt, and 14%, or $13.4 million, went to retirement benefits.
I am not against how our school board manages its fiduciary responsibilities. However, I do oppose using public school students as scapegoats for poor fiscal planning. The district spent over $2 million on additional property services and retains an unassigned fund balance of over $5.5 million.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Pennsylvania’s public cybercharter schools have been supporting brick-and-mortar schools by providing resources, professional development and guidance. As public schools, we must continue to collaborate so that all of Pennsylvania’s students can thrive.
Christine Adams
Hempfield