Isn’t it true that charter schools do not answer to the public since their boards are not elected?

No. Charter schools are directly accountable to the authorizing school board or the Pennsylvania Department of Education who have the authority to renew or not renew a school’s charter.

Once appointed, a charter school board member, just like a traditional school board member, is a public
official who must comply with the PA Ethics Act and file an annual statement of Financial Interest Form. Also, the board must comply with the PA Sunshine Law regarding open meetings.

Please click here for more information on common myths surrounding charter schools.