The Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools appreciates its longstanding relationships with so many of the members of our General Assembly. However, we must forcefully speak against the comments of Rep. Tarah Probst (PA-189), who flippantly (and borderline libelously) referred to the actions of cyber charter schools as “thievery,” and stated that our schools of choice are “robbing” school districts.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The 170,000 students attending public charter schools throughout the commonwealth and their families have chosen viable and legal options for their education. 

The majority of the 170,000 students attending charter schools are in underserved areas. Thus, charter schools educate the neediest and underserved in our commonwealth. 

The fact that 20,000 to 30,000 students are on waiting lists for various charters is a testament to the effectiveness of our schools.

Charter schools such as Bear Creek Community Charter School, Commonwealth Charter Academy, Global Leadership, Executive Education Academy Charter Schools and Penn Hills Entrepreneurial Charter School, to name a few, offer innovative teaching methods, smaller class sizes and more personalized attention to students. 

Additionally, charter schools are held accountable for their academic performance through rigorous oversight and evaluation processes.

The funding formula that Rep. Probst speaks of for charter schools involves public money allocated to students being used for those students’ education. There is nothing improper or untoward about charter schools following the law. 

We agree that the charter funding formula should be evaluated along with the more significant issue of school funding for all in the commonwealth, as recently held by Commonwealth Court.

We should all agree that adequate and reliable funding for educating our young people, especially those in underserved areas, is among the top priorities for our commonwealth. Divisive rhetoric like Rep. Probst’s has no place in this critical effort.  

Instead of dismissing charter schools outright, policymakers should work to ensure that all schools, whether they are traditional public schools or charter schools, are held to high standards of accountability and transparency. By doing so, we can give all students access to quality education, regardless of zip code.

Pennsylvania lawmakers should consider every learning opportunity for the success of every child. We benefit from expanding cyber education to include individuals developing a better understanding of how technology works and how to use it safely and effectively. Students in K-12 grades benefit from greater freedom offered in our Pennsylvania cyber charter schools.

Overall, charter education is becoming increasingly important in our digital world. It can help individuals become more informed and empowered digital citizens while providing valuable skills and knowledge that can benefit them personally and professionally.

Dr. Anne Clark is the CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools in Glenside, PA.