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Board hears state and federal budget uncertainty, cyber charter reform and possible voucher discussions
Summary
The Cheltenham policy and legislative committee reported on June 10 that federal budget proposals and state-level cyber charter reform could affect district funding. The committee described a proposed flat tuition of $8,000 for cyber charter students and said vouchers were again part of budget negotiations.
The Cheltenham School District policy and legislative committee told the full board on June 10 that continuing uncertainty in federal and state budgets could affect local school funding and that proposed cyber charter reforms and a renewed voucher discussion may carry fiscal consequences for the district.
Policy committee chair and board member Epps said the House-passed cyber charter bill under consideration would create a flat tuition payment of $8,000 for cyber charter students (excluding special education costs) and would require greater reporting and limits on special-education charges. "It would create a flat tuition of $8,000, not including special education," Epps said. Board members said such changes could alter how districts are billed for cyber students and affect local budgets.
Why it matters: State-level changes to cyber charter funding and any federal budget cuts to programs such as Title I, federal special-education funding or free-lunch supports were raised as possible drivers of local budget shortfalls. The board's legislative report noted that Montgomery County receives tens of millions of federal dollars for K–12 programs and that a pending federal budget could have wide ripple effects.
The committee also said that voucher proposals — measures that would allow public funds to be used for private-school tuition — have reappeared in some discussions. Board members urged residents to track negotiations and contact state and federal legislators. Epps and other board members also reported a recent legislative meeting that included State Senator Maria Collett, who discussed timing concerns for state budget actions and the potential for delays past the June 30 deadline.
No district action was taken at the meeting; the report was informational. Board members noted they would continue monitoring state and federal developments, cyber charter reform language, and any voucher proposals and would communicate updates as negotiations proceed.
