Debate over taxpayer funding for cyber charter schools is intensifying in Pennsylvania, as lawmakers weigh proposed cuts and reforms. At a recent House Majority Policy Committee hearing in Harrisburg, Democratic lawmakers heard testimony from school districts struggling with declining enrollment and shifting funding. Cyber charter administrators argue the narrative ignores student needs and fiscal realities.
In the Wyoming Area School District, charter enrollment has reportedly grown by 400 percent since 2020. District officials said the shift has redirected approximately $3 million from traditional public schools to online charter programs.
Kelley McConnell, chief academic officer for Reach Cyber Charter School, said roughly 3 percent of Pennsylvania students have transitioned to cyber learning. She noted that funding following those students is already reduced by about 25 percent to account for lower overhead costs such as transportation and utilities. McConnell argued that the money is allocated per student, not owned by districts.
Critics, including Tim DeFoor, have cited audit findings highlighting questionable spending practices at certain charter schools, including bonuses and stipends. Cyber charter leaders counter that some expenditures, such as grocery gift cards, address student needs in the absence of physical cafeterias. David Taylor, president of Reach’s board, said many students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and the school provides small-dollar grocery cards to help families.
The funding dispute follows recent legislative changes backed by Josh Shapiro. Lawmakers redefined accountability standards for cyber schools, including camera requirements during instruction and expanded deductions that districts can apply before transferring tuition funds. The reforms are estimated to save $175 million, with Shapiro proposing increasing savings to $250 million next year. He has also supported an $8,000 per-student funding cap, which cyber advocates warn could close most of the state’s 14 online charter schools.
Leaders from seven cyber charter schools said cuts have already forced layoffs of educators and staff, estimating total reductions could approach $300 million by the end of the 2025–26 school year.
Supporters of reform argue oversight is necessary to protect taxpayers and ensure academic outcomes improve. Opponents say thousands of families choose cyber options because traditional districts fail to meet specific educational or safety needs.
As Pennsylvania grapples with balancing fiscal responsibility and parental choice, the future of cyber charter funding remains a central policy battle in Harrisburg.
