Presenter says state cyber charter tuition reform could cut district charter costs by about $637,000

At the Feb. 24 meeting the presenter (S1) described a governor’s proposal to reform cyber charter funding by establishing a statewide base tuition of $8,000 per regular‑education student. The presenter contrasted that proposed base with the current base rate cited in the presentation (~$18,990) and calculated a substantial reduction in district charter expenditures if the proposal is enacted: "For us, that would represent $637,000 of less expense," the presenter said.

The presenter explained the mechanics: the reform would lower the district’s per‑student payment to cyber charters for regular‑education students and retain a differential for special‑education students. The district currently has about 58 students enrolled in cyber charter programs, and the presenter used that enrollment to estimate the $637,000 reduction in charter tuition expenditures under the proposal.

Board members asked questions about feasibility and timing. The presenter cautioned that the proposal’s adoption depends on the state budget process and could be included in an omnibus budget bill, meaning it could pass with the budget, be delayed until later in the year, or not be adopted at all. The presenter emphasized the district cannot rely on the reform as a confirmed revenue source for the upcoming budget until the legislature acts.

The administration said the district would include the potential savings in modeling but treat the reform as uncertain and develop fallback options if the reform is not adopted in time to affect the FY2025–26 budget.