Jamie Santora & The PA House of
Representatives,
It is my understanding that House Bill 530 may
be reconsidered this legislative session. As you know, Cyber Charter Schools
already operate with approximately 75-80% of the money that the home school
district receives for that same student. Here is some information for you
to consider about this bill:
·
Cyber
Charter schools cannot sustain any cut to tuition funding to cyber charter
schools as required in HB 530.
·
I
support the provision in HB 530 for the creation of a bipartisan Commission
that will have the opportunity to take an independent review of the actual costs
of funding cyber education and recommend a tuition formula for charters and
cyber charters.
·
I
support the transparency & accountability recommendations in HB 530.
I commend the
legislature for their commitment to reforming charter law, addressing
accountability, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship for all
charter schools.
However,
cutting cyber charter school funding now when more and more universities are
developing Online learning platforms will not prepare our students to be on the
cutting edge of learning. There is a learning gap when students transition from
one platform of learning to another. Pennsylvania and the other states cannot
afford this time loss due to transition as our students compete for jobs in a
global economy. Recently, the State Universities Teacher Union went on strike.
They were concerned about benefit reductions and pay increases, but they were
also concerned about Online learning, and how this new platform will change the
way they teach. Online learning is coming and there is no way to stop it.
Pennsylvania has taken a leadership position in this area, and should not back
off when the gap between high school and college is close to being bridged. The
price of leadership is often uncomfortable change, and if funding is cut, the
outcome may be reflected in our students paying the price with lower paying jobs.
Respectfully,
Pat Parris
