Cyber charter students deserve fair funding

To the Editor:

The June 25 article, “Watchdog finds charters spend public dollars on sports sponsorships,” highlights a real concern, but misplaces the blame. The bigger issue is Pennsylvania’s outdated school funding system, where per-student allocations vary wildly from $15,200 to more than $41,000.

Despite these disparities, some lawmakers, school districts, and advocacy groups are pushing to cut public cyber charter funding dramatically — to just $8,000 per student — based on false and misleading narratives. That would devastate educational access for more than 65,000 public cyber charter students across the state.

Yes, cyber charters are online schools. But they still carry real expenses: facilities, technology infrastructure, curriculum development, licensed teachers, administrators, special education support, and employee benefits, including pensions. These schools also serve families in every county, including rural areas with limited educational options.

Under the current formula, cyber students already receive about 30% less than traditional public school students. Yet they are still public school students, and they deserve equitable funding.

Juniata County School District’s own $43.6 million budget allocates just 6% — $2.6 million — for students who attend cyber charter schools, not to mention the $17.4 million it holds in reserves. Cyber charter students are hardly the budget-breaker they’re made out to be.

Cyber charter families pay the same taxes as everyone else. They deserve fair funding and respect for the choices they’ve made to meet their child’s needs, not cuts and criticism.

Timothy Eller

Commonwealth Charter Academy Charter School

Mifflin County takes pride in local athlete

To the Editor:

I just read Brian Carson’s article on Carter Smith. I sat here reading it and the longer it went, the more goosebumps I had. You nailed it all in that article.

We do have something to be proud of in Carter Smith. His determination and just all out talent is something we should all strive for in life. It is far too often that parents forget that kids have to work hard and sometimes be disappointed if they don’t play or run to their parent’s expectations. Some kids have God-given talent, but MOST have to work hard and not be afraid to work hard. I don’t know Carter Smith personally, but I am glad I got to know and read all about his hard work and determination to be the runner he is today. What an awesome role model to be.

Carter, you have a whole county who is proud of you! I cannot wait to see where your running takes you, but know, I will be watching and cheering for you, wherever you go!

Brian, thank you for such honest and raw reporting. You have a whole county waiting for the next sports story for you to follow. I sure am hoping that it’s a story of hard work and determination, no matter what the sport!

Amy Traxler

Lewistown