Don't Let Summer Distract Us: Our Kids' Education is on the Harrisburg Budget Menu!
While you're making summer memories, critical decisions about your child's future education are being made. Here's how to stay cool and stay engaged!
Alright, parents, I know what you're thinking. It's summer! The kids are out of school, the pools are open, and the last thing anyone wants to think about is... well, school. We're dreaming of road trips, backyard barbecues, and maybe, just maybe, a quiet moment to ourselves. And that's exactly what we deserve!
But here's the reality check, and it's a big one: in Harrisburg, it's peak budget season. While we're making lemonade, our lawmakers are making decisions that will directly impact our public cyber charter schools, and by extension, our children's access to the education that truly works for them.
You see, for thousands of Pennsylvania families, public cyber charters aren't just an alternative; they're the solution. They offer flexibility, personalized learning, and often, a safer, more supportive environment where kids who struggled elsewhere finally thrive. We know this firsthand. The data even shows that a massive 88% of 614 Pennsylvania parents surveyed said they would NOT choose to re-enroll their children in their local school district. That's a powerful statement about what parents truly want!
The money aspect is also huge. Consider this: districts average over $23,000 per student, while cyber charters operate for about $8,000. If that difference applied across all 2 million students in PA, we're talking about a potential $30 BILLION in savings for taxpayers! Yet, somehow, the conversation often twists into cutting the more efficient, parent-preferred option. This isn't about saving money; it's about protecting an outdated system.
So, how can we stay in the fight without sacrificing our summer fun?
Here's an idea: Make it an "Ice Cream & Advocacy" outing!
Grab the kids, head to your favorite local ice cream shop. While they're deciding on sprinkles, take five minutes:
Call your lawmakers Harrisburg office.
Send a quick email.
Remind them that you're a parent, a voter, and you expect them to protect funding for public cyber charter schools. Tell them why it matters to your family.
It takes just a few minutes, but those few minutes, multiplied by thousands of parents, make an undeniable impact. Our lawmakers need to hear from us now, while the budget is still being finalized.
Don't let the summer sun distract from the vital work being done (or undone) in Harrisburg. Let's enjoy our families, but let's also stand up for their future.
In The Headlines
Lancaster County high school student accused of writing bomb threat on bathroom wall
A 17-year-old female high school student from Lancaster County has been charged with terroristic threats after allegedly writing a bomb threat and a death threat on bathroom surfaces at Warwick High School on May 27. The incident occurred during school hours, prompting police involvement and charges against the student.
Pellet gun, THC vape found at Cumberland County school; student charged
A juvenile student has been charged by the Shippensburg Police Department for bringing a pellet gun and a THC vaping device to an unidentified school in Cumberland County. The incident occurred on May 30 after a teacher spotted the vaping device in the student's possession and alerted the school authorities.
Pennsylvania boy calls 911 just to say 'hello' to officers he met at school
A heartwarming story from Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, highlights a young autistic boy who called 911 just to say "hello" to police officers he had met during a school demonstration, leading to a positive learning moment about appropriate emergency calls and showcasing the kindness of the police officers.
In Harrisburg
Increasing Student Success with More School Counselor Support
Representative Mandy Steele advocates for long-term support for school counselors in Pennsylvania through the proposed School Counseling Services Act, which aims to establish standardized counseling services across all schools. The legislation responds to the vital role of counselors in student success and seeks to address current shortfalls by ensuring planning, coordination, and retention of these professionals, positioning Pennsylvania as the only state without such mandates.