On Wednesday Research for Action (RFA) released a study on the fiscal impact of charter expansion on school districts. The PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools (PCPCS) participated in good faith along with the PA Association for School Business Officials (PASBO) and the PA Association of School Administrators (PASA) as well as other school district officials. Six school districts were analyzed in the study ranging in size. In all instances, the fiscal impact caused by students leaving the districts for charter schools was significant.
While PCPCS applauds the transparency of the calculations made by the RFA, we are disappointed that no meaningful recommendations were made to help districts legitimately right size. Furthermore, there is no accountability placed on the school districts for controlling their costs. The report also does not address the value that comes with the cost associated with charter schools, which in turn are creating opportunity for students of all backgrounds to receive a quality education.
Here is a link to our press release and the full report.