In July 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro, along with 179 state lawmakers, cut funding for special education students in 14 public schools.
Now, seven months later, the governor and many members of the General Assembly are collaborating with traditional public education organizations to push an unconstitutional plan based on false and misleading information, aiming to close schools serving 65,000 students.
The Pennsylvania auditor general recently joined the anti-cyber school movement, advocating for significant funding cuts by claiming the current funding formula is flawed.
While some may see this as typical political maneuvering, the reality is that it will severely disadvantage tens of thousands of students and their families who depend on the safety, security, and flexibility of public cyber charter schools.
Pennsylvania’s school districts are like Social Security in federal politics–they’re untouchable. Our public education system has been hijacked by adults who prioritize their own interests in favor of the status quo.
Our state’s political leaders lack the courage and will to do what is right for all students. They are so beholden to public sector unions that our public education system remains governed by a law from 1949. Without innovative and transformative leadership, Pennsylvania will continue to fall behind.
Pennsylvania’s school districts collectively represent a $36.7 billion taxpayer-funded enterprise. Over the last decade, their funding has increased by $10.5 billion (40 percent), despite a four percent decline in enrollment. This is in addition to the $12 billion districts have socked away in savings accounts.
Taxpayers spend nearly $22,000 for each student – an amount that has increased 46 percent over the last 10 years.
While advocating for an additional $1 billion for school districts, the governor has proposed slashing funding for cyber school students to $8,000 each – 64 percent less than their counterparts in school districts.
This massive funding discrepancy is not only immoral, but it also violates these students’ 14th Amendment rights to equal protection under the law.
Cyber charter schools account for less than three percent of total public school spending. Debt service, pension costs, and benefit costs are what are straining school districts’ budgets, not cyber charter schools. Many in Harrisburg know it but they refuse to admit it because teachers’ unions keep them in line by contributing millions of dollars to their campaigns.
Public cyber school students are not second-class citizens. Their families pay the same federal, state, and local taxes as the families of students in school districts.
Nearly 50 percent of students who attend public cyber charter schools are Black, Hispanic, and multiracial, yet many elected officials openly support cutting their school funding. Why are these students being singled out for funding cuts?
Public cyber charter schools also serve a high percentage of teen parents, students with disabilities, homeless students, full-time working students, students with mental health challenges, and students serving as caretakers for family members. They rely on the flexibility of cyber charter schools to obtain their high school diploma. Again, why are these students being singled out for funding cuts?
Gov. Shapiro campaigned on school choice—a policy overwhelmingly supported by Pennsylvanians; however, he has capitulated to special interest groups who believe they know what’s best for students and families. In typical politician fashion, Shapiro has now abandoned Pennsylvania students as he turns his sites to the White House in preparation for his run for president.
The unfair targeting of cyber charter school students as the cause of school district financial mismanagement must end. Reductions to their funding or the elimination of their schools borders on being a grave civil rights injustice, which the courts are likely to frown upon.
As long as state and school district leaders continue to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the will of students and families, enrollment in cyber charter schools will continue to rise.
Families have reached their breaking point with their local districts because they and their children have been ignored, mistreated, and bullied for far too long. Families want a 21st-century education system that meets their children’s needs, provides them with flexibility, and accommodates their schedules.
Pennsylvania’s political leaders are elected to represent the people. They have an obligation to ensure all students are treated fairly and equally.
