H-H Looks to Cut Cyber Charter School Costs

In an effort to reel in the costs of Hatboro and Horsham students attending cyber charter schools, the district has struck a deal of sorts with an online learning center.

Instead of paying just over $460,000 a year to educate roughly 50 students who attend cyber charter schools, the district could potentially spend one-third less, according to Assistant Superintendent John Nodecker.

The savings, of course, would take effect if existing cyber charter school students opt to attend Brandywine Virtual Academy, which would charge the district $4,172 per year, amounting to one-third of the typical cost, Nodecker said.

“These are students who have never been in the district, or haven’t been in the district recently,” Nodecker said during a recent school board meeting. “They made the choice themselves to leave.”

According to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, charter schools are funded through tax dollars, meaning district taxpayers would fund the expense of Hatboro and Horsham student attendance in charter and virtual charter schools.

With the ok from the school board, Nodecker said he would begin sending letters of interest to students and possibly meet with them and their families in order to present cost-saving options.