While cyber charter schools place financial strain on Pennsylvania’s public schools, the Athens Area School District has introduced an online program that is both cheaper than traditional brick-and-mortar schooling and, according to Superintendent Craig, more effective than existing cyber alternatives.

Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools are drawing criticism for allocating education funds to generous employee perks, including hefty fuel stipends and entertainment packages for families. These expenditures raise concerns about the proper use of public education dollars and their impact on students.

An audit by Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor revealed that five of the state’s largest cyber charter schools amassed a combined $619 million in reserves. DeFoor is calling for urgent tuition reform to address the outdated funding formula he says allows these schools to accumulate excessive taxpayer funds.