HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week passed H.B. 1500, a reform bill authored by state Representative Mary Isaacson, designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the funding and operations of cyber charter schools.
“This bill marks a milestone in my ongoing commitment to champion policies that guarantee Pennsylvania students receive a sound and equitable education, as enshrined in the state’s constitution,” Isaacson said.
The legislation introduces a standardized statewide tuition rate for cyber charter schools and places caps on their fund balances. It also establishes stricter reporting requirements, mandating that cyber charters adhere to the same standards for annual budgets, financial statements, and construction costs as traditional public schools.
“Public funds that are allocated for education should be spent on teaching students the vital skills they need to succeed throughout their academic career. It should not be used to make cyber charter operators richer,” Isaacson stated. “Cyber charters are moving hundreds of millions of dollars into slush funds and physical buildings with no public input or government oversight.”
The bill also includes measures to prevent misuse of public funds, such as safeguards against funding students who do not reside in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, it requires reporting on low-performing schools and prohibits schools from offering gifts or incentives to students for enrollment.
“If just one cent goes to any expense that doesn’t benefit students, it’s a waste of public funds,” Isaacson emphasized. “These reforms will ensure transparency and accountability for students, parents, teachers, and people across the commonwealth.”
H.B. 1500 represents a significant step aimed at ensuring public education funds directly benefit Pennsylvania students and address growing concerns about how cyber charter schools allocate their resources.
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