West Central PA News

Pennsylvania continues to assess its investment in public education, focusing on diverse educational options including traditional schools, cyber charter schools, private schools, and home schooling. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman emphasizes the importance of parental choice in selecting the best educational path for children.

"Empowering parents to have a say in the best educational path for their children must continue to be at the forefront of discussions," said Pittman. He acknowledges criticisms regarding accountability and funding for cyber charter schools and highlights reforms made in last year's state budget to address these issues.

The 2024-25 budget introduced measures such as providing $100 million in cyber charter reimbursements for school districts and a formula change reducing special education costs by approximately $190 million annually. These changes aim to restrain overall costs and prevent local tax increases.

Department of Education Acting Secretary Carrie Rowe noted that reduced cyber charter expenses help address a Commonwealth Court ruling requiring improved support methods for all students. "Addressing the broad directive by the court through saving school districts money is a win for schools and a win for taxpayers," Rowe stated.

Reforms also included enhanced ethics and transparency standards for cyber charter administrators, prohibiting conflicts of interest, banning "free" advertising claims, and implementing wellness checks on students.

Pittman suggests further discussions are needed on reviewing reserve accounts, tuition cost accuracy, and truancy reforms as part of the 2025-26 budget deliberations. "It is encouraging to see positive benefits and real savings occur because of cyber charter changes made last year," he added.