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politics1d ago
Pa. cyber schools fear $175M in budget cuts will lead to closures, layoffs
- Cyber charter funding cuts of about $175 million in Pennsylvania could trigger layoffs and closures at multiple schools.
- The cuts may affect approximately 2,000 layoffs across cyber schools and could force closures within two years, according to leaders' statements.
- Budget reforms aim to align tuition payments with online education costs and close loopholes, saving $175 million statewide.
- Education officials and critics disagree on the cost basis of cyber schooling and the size of the cuts.
- The budget deal includes new rules on truancy, residency verification, and weekly benchmarks for cyber schools.
- State officials have not clearly explained how the cuts will be implemented or phased in for affected schools.
- PA Cyber CEO Brian Hayden said operations would continue this year despite anticipated reductions.
- The reforms also tighten attendance checks and residency verification to hold cyber operators accountable.
- Education Voters PA supported reforms as a step toward reducing waste and increasing accountability in cyber education.
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