A Pennsylvania group made up of members of locally-elected, volunteer school boards across the state is urging the General Assembly to take action to reform the funding system for charter schools. Pennsylvania s current charter-school funding formula was established in 1997 as part of the state s Charter School Law, and hasn t been changed in the 25 years since. Lawrence Feinberg, director of the Keystone Center for Change, operated by the Pennsylvania School Board Association, said the group is advocating for two main issues to ensure school districts and taxpayers are not overpaying or reimbursing charter schools for costs they do not have. .
Investigative Reporter Katie LaGrone explains the little known new charter school law fueling new concerns about the future of public education in Florida.
On today's episode of The Confluence: WESA reporter Ariel Worthy catches us up on the investigation into the death of Jim Rogers, who died after being shocked by a Taser by Pittsburgh Police; we speak to the leader of Propel Schools, which operates 13 charter locations in Allegheny County, about the impact of new state charter school regulations; and we learn whether downtown Pittsburgh workers and visitors are returning to the area after the pandemic abruptly sent everyone home.
Our roles as former elected officials from both of the major political parties have given us unique perspectives into not only Pennsylvania’s political process, but also its public education system, particularly charter schools. Charter schools in the state have grown tremendously in the 24-plus years in which they have existed.