The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, known simply as PA Cyber, is a public cyber charter school founded in Midland, Pennsylvania in 2000. The school secured a five-year renewal of its charter, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in July 2010. After a yearlong review, the school was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 2011. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2012-2013 school year, the Title 1 school reported an enrollment of 10,434 pupils, 1,326 of whom had IEPs. It reported a 50.75 student/teacher ratio. In 2013, the school held three graduation ceremonies and, according to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, it graduated 1500 students, 87.7 percent of whom were bound for a post-secondary education.
Academic results
In 2009, 2010 and 2011, PA Cyber Charter School achieved AYP status.
Criticisms
The school has been subject to regular criticism from the Pennsylvania School Board Association and Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials over several issues, including funding and the school's fund balance reserves. In 2010, the school reported an Unreserved - Undesignated Fund balance of $2,406,089 and a Reserved - Undesignated Fund balance of $11,415,257. The undesignated funds are not committed to any planned project. Designated funds and any other funds, such as capital reserves, are allocated to specific projects. School districts are required by state law to keep 5 percent of their annual spending in the undesignated reserve funds to preserve bond ratings. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, from 2003 to 2010, as a whole, Pennsylvania school districts amassed nearly $3 billion in reserved funds.
The school was subject to a grand jury investigation in 2007 regarding using funds improperly (for expenses not related to each individual student). The allegations were: double billing, excessive management fees, questionable payments to building contractors and misuse of tax dollars with regards to the building of a $23.5 million Performing Arts Center. No indictment came from the proceedings.
Awards
The school was named "Top Places to Work" by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in October 2011.
2012 Pre-Kâ€"12 Educator Award from University of Pittsburgh School of Education
In 2015, PA Cyber's Wexford 1 team attained Platinum tier in CyberPatriot VII, placing first in Pennsylvania and 54th in the nation.
References
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