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Business manager flags $1.8 million in cyber-charter spending and low graduation rates at some providers
Summary
Business Manager Pam Mondock told the Southmoreland board the district had spent $1.84 million year-to-date on cyber-charter tuition through April, roughly $473,000 over budget, and highlighted notably low graduation rates at some cyber charter schools.
Business Manager Pam Mondock told the Southmoreland board on June 24 that the district's cyber-charter tuition spending through April totaled roughly $1,843,000, exceeding the budget by about $473,000.
She said the district had spent $1,600,000 on cyber-charter tuition through April and year-to-date $1,843,000, figures the board packet reflected during the finance presentation. "One of the things I passed out to the Board this evening was, as you can see, through April we have spent $1,600,000 on Cyber Charter, which is $445,000 higher than what was budgeted. Year to date, we have spent $1,843,000 which is $473,000 higher than budget," Mondock said.
Mondock and board members criticized the academic outcomes at some cyber providers. The packet included four-year cohort graduation-rate figures; Mondock noted the statewide average is 87.6 percent and said some cyber providers serving district students reported graduation rates as low as 50 percent.
Why it matters: Cyber-charter tuition payments are a significant district expenditure that, if unchecked, can strain local budgets. Board members questioned whether the district could influence student outcomes at these providers and how to reduce expenditures.
State and federal context Mondock said she had contacted the local state senator for updates on the state budget and on possible cyber-charter reform pending in Harrisburg. She referenced House Bill 1500 (reported in the meeting as "House Bill 1,500"), which had passed the state House and was under consideration in the Senate; the bill was discussed in the meeting as a potential path for cyber-charter relief if enacted.
Next steps Board members and administration discussed making information on cyber-charter costs public and continuing to press for state-level reforms. Directors also discussed that higher participation in district-run programs and improved recruitment and retention could reduce long-term reliance on cyber providers.
Ending The business manager said she will continue to monitor cyber-charter spending and report to the finance committee; the issue is now flagged as a priority for budget oversight and possible advocacy at the state level.
