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Closer Look: Why it's time to change the cyber charter funding system cover

Closer Look: Why it's time to change the cyber charter funding system

The current method of funding cyber charter schools utilizes a flawed and outdated formula under the 1997 Charter School Law that results in inconsistencies and overpayments. Cyber charter schools receive the same tuition payment from school districts as brick-and-mortar charter schools despite not having the same level of expenses as their brick-and-mortar colleagues. Charter school tuition payments calculated by school districts are based on the districts’ expenses and bear no relation to the costs needed by the cyber charter schools to provide their online educational program. Because each school district calculates its own unique tuition rates based on the school district’s expenses, this results in vastly different tuition rates being paid to the cyber charter school despite all students in the school being provided the same education. It’s time for a new funding mechanism that is predictable, more accurate and reflects the lower costs of cyber charter schools to provide education programs.