CYBER CHARTER REFORM

It’s time for real cyber charter reform in Pennsylvania. 

Over the last few years, Education Voters of Pennsylvania has conducted extensive research into how Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools are funded — and how those overpayments are draining resources from local public schools.

Our work has uncovered millions of taxpayer dollars being spent on expenses that have nothing to do with student learning — from advertising campaigns and sports sponsorships to luxury retreats and real estate acquisitions.

We’ve released a series of detailed reports and ongoing investigations, including:

• Our Taxes, Their Slush Fund – This report examines Commonwealth Charter Academy’s check registers (obtained through Right to Know requests) from the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. Our examination reveals spending on dining, entertainment, travel, vehicles, shopping, and more.

• What Business Are They In? – Our report found a staggering, exponential increase in cyber charter asset hoards from 2018–2022 and more than $21 million spent on advertising and gift cards in a single year. The report also includes an inventory of 35 properties purchased by Commonwealth Charter Academy as they continue to build their real estate empire paid for with Pennsylvania tax dollars. 

• Waste of the Week (WOW) – Our regular investigative series highlighting real invoices and receipts that show exactly how cyber charters are wasting Pennsylvania tax dollars.

Our findings have helped shape the statewide conversation around cyber charter reform and the need for a fair, transparent, and accountable funding system that puts students — not corporations — first.

Learn more below about our ongoing work to hold cybers accountable and advocate for reforms that protect public education across Pennsylvania.