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Board to back state action on cyber‑charter tuition limits, citing audit and local cost pressure
Summary
Trustees discussed a resolution to ask state legislators to limit cyber charter tuition rates (a proposed flat figure has been discussed), citing lack of transparency in cyber charter billing and an Auditor General report. Board members asked for more homework and will consider sending the letter with the board president's signature.
Members of the Oley Valley School District Board on May 5 discussed a draft resolution and companion letters urging state lawmakers to negotiate limits on cyber‑charter tuition rates and increase transparency of charter billing.
A board member summarized countywide efforts to ask the Legislature to consider a per‑pupil flat rate for cyber charters; a number cited in the discussion was an $8,000 proposal under negotiation at the state level. Trustees said recent state audit findings and widely varying cyber tuition bills nationwide have made the issue more urgent for districts that must budget locally for students who attend cyber charters.
Board members described the local fiscal impact: roughly 48 students currently enrolled in cyber charters were identified, with several board members estimating the district’s payments for those enrollments and associated special‑education placements could amount to several hundred thousand dollars in the current year. Members emphasized that parents choose cyber options for a mix of reasons — flexibility, medical needs or school‑climate issues — and said the resolution is intended to seek fairness and transparency, not to eliminate school choice.
Several trustees asked for time to review recent audit material and the draft language before committing signatures. The board indicated it will return the resolution and supporting letters for consideration at the next meeting and that the board president and legislative committee will coordinate mailing to state legislators if approved.
