Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1494

Introduced
6/22/23  

Caption

In charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools; and imposing penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1494 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of education funding within the state. By formalizing the funding mechanisms for cyber charter schools, the bill aims to provide these institutions with a stable financial foundation, thereby enhancing educational access for students, particularly those who may struggle in traditional school settings. It also implies a reevaluation of the allocation of public education funds, ensuring that cyber charter schools are competitively funded in comparison to their brick-and-mortar counterparts.

Summary

House Bill 1494 focuses on the funding of cyber charter schools, delineating the provisions for their establishment and operation while imposing specific penalties for non-compliance. This legislation highlights the state's commitment to expanding educational opportunities through innovative schooling options in the digital realm. The bill seeks to address the growing demand for online education and ensures that cyber charter schools receive adequate financial resources to function effectively within the educational system.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 1494 have generated a mixed sentiment among stakeholders. Proponents argue that this legislation represents a progressive step towards embracing technological advancements in education and addressing the diverse needs of students. However, critics contend that the focus on cyber charter schools may lead to a diversion of funds from traditional public schools, raising concerns about equity and the quality of education provided to all students. This debate reflects broader tensions regarding education reform and the role of technology in learning environments.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 1494 include the potential penalties imposed on cyber charter schools and under which circumstances they would be enacted. Opponents of the bill fear that penalties could be overly punitive and may disproportionately impact schools that are already struggling to establish themselves. Furthermore, the discussion reveals a broader ideological divide regarding charter schools' role in the public education system, with fundamental disagreements about accountability, governance, and the prioritization of public versus private educational interests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB337

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA SB799

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB574

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB1495

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools.

PA HB722

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB1266

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB354

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB2370

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding, providing for adequacy and tax equity supplements and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers and further providing for Pennsylvania accountability grants.

PA HB1500

In preliminary provisions, providing for Cyber Charter School Funding and Policy Council and further providing for advertising and sponsorships; in pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children and education and training; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for funding for cyber charter schools, for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions, providing for cyber charter school fund balance accountability, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, for cyber charter school application, for enrollment and notification, for enrollee wellness checks and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations and providing for cyber charter school moratorium; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for extraordinary special education program expenses.

PA HB1372

In preliminary provisions, further providing for advertising and sponsorships; and, in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements, for powers of board of trustees, for facilities, for enrollment, for funding for charter schools, for funding for cyber charter schools, for powers and duties of department, for assessment and evaluation and for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions, providing for fund balance limits and for educational management service providers, further providing for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities and for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewal of charters, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination and further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application, for enrollment and notification and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

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