WASHINGTON, D.C. — The decision by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to support funding cuts for public cyber charter schools has sparked significant pushback, particularly from Parents for School Options (PSO), a leading organization advocating for school choice.
Under House Bill 1500, per-student funding for public cyber charter schools would be capped at $8,000 per pupil. This proposal comes at a time when traditional public school districts in Pennsylvania receive an average of $23,000 per student. Critics argue the legislation unfairly targets the estimated 60,000 students enrolled in cyber charter schools, which constitute about 3% of the total public school population and receive a small fraction of overall education funding.
Kristen Tyagi, PSO’s Executive Director, expressed sharp criticism of the measure, asserting that cyber charter students are being undervalued compared to their counterparts in traditional public schools. “Every House member who voted for this bill should look their cyber constituents in the eye and explain why their children aren’t as important as those who attend traditional public schools,” said Tyagi. Highlighting the state’s $7.4 billion in surplus funds, she added, “It makes no sense to slash funding for public cyber charter schools that only educate 60,000 children and account for about 3% of all public education funding.”
Tyagi also emphasized that Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools already receive less funding per student compared to national norms. According to PSO, cyber charter students in the state receive roughly 68% of what their district counterparts are allotted. Tyagi pointed to other states such as California, Colorado, and Georgia, which fully fund cyber charter education at equal per-student rates, as evidence that Pennsylvania’s current funding model is inequitable.
The proposed cuts have reignited broader debates about the future of school choice in Pennsylvania, where Republicans are credited with building one of the nation’s most robust systems. Tyagi called the ongoing funding challenges part of continuous efforts by special interests to undermine school choice. She expressed hope that Senate Republicans would oppose the proposed funding cap.
The outcome of the legislation could significantly shape the landscape of public education in Pennsylvania, with potential long-term effects on the availability of alternative educational options for families. Advocates of cyber charters argue that these schools provide essential flexibility and opportunities for children, particularly those for whom traditional public schools may not be a fit.
The debate over funding for cyber charter schools is likely to continue in Harrisburg, where lawmakers must decide how best to balance educational options and funding equity for all students in the commonwealth.
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