Regarding the article “Local school districts join statewide push for increased public school funding from the state” (May 2, TribLive): School districts across Pennsylvania are once again calling for more state funding, citing rising costs and budget shortfalls. But this familiar refrain leaves out critical information.
Over the past two years, state elected officials slashed funding for public cyber charter schools, returning nearly $300 million to districts, with another $75 million in cuts proposed. Yet public cyber charter schools continue to be blamed for financial strain — an argument that is difficult to support, especially when districts, on average, spend less than 3% of their budgets on students attending cyber charters.
At the same time, state support to districts has grown dramatically. Over the past decade, state funding has risen to $17.7 billion, up $6.43 billion (57%), with another $922.6 million proposed this year.
Districts also collected more than $16 billion in local property taxes, a 10-year $3.3 billion (25%) increase, while holding more than $13.3 billion in reserves.
Taken together, these numbers tell a very different story.
Costs for pensions and special education are real, but warnings of financial crisis, while downplaying record funding increases, avoid needed conversations about spending, efficiency and accountability.
Public cyber charter schools serve tens of thousands of families seeking flexible options. The better question is: Why are more families choosing them?
Timothy A. Eller
Harrisburg