Question 1:
- “Charter Schools” is an area in the budget that has increased. What is a charter school?

logoA charter school is an independent public school created and designed by citizens from the local community. Charter schools are tuition free. In Pennsylvania, charter schools are possible due to a 1997 revision to the public school code known as Act 22 (the "charter school law"). Each charter school has a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment and ways to measure success between the charter school and the school district in which it operates. Additional information about charter schools in PA is available from the PA Department of Education by clicking HERE. Keep in mind that QCSD has not chartered any schools. By law, students may choose to attend charter schools other school districts have chartered even if QCSD has identical programs available.

Question 2:
- How is a Pennsylvania charter school funded?

logoCharter schools are tuition free for families. A charter school receives funding from the school districts where its students reside. In QCSD, for every regular education student who attends a charter school, QCSD sends a “tuition” amount of $10,645 ($20,520 for a special education student) to the charter school. This money comes from our budget.

Question 3:
- How many students attend charter schools?

logoAs of January 1, 2010, 107 students attend the following charter schools

SusQ-Cyber Charter School
1
Souderton Charter School Collaborative
6
Pa Leadership Charter School
1
Commonwealth Connections Academy
11
Pa Cyber Charter School
43
21st Century Cyber Charter School
1
Agora Charter School
9
Pa Virtual Charter School
17
Seven Generations Charter School
8
Lehigh Valley School for the Performing Arts
9
Lehigh Valley Academy Charter School
1
total
107
Question 4:
- Didn’t QCSD open a cyber school to compete with cyber charter schools?

logoYes, QCSD opened Infinity Academy Cyber School in September and was able to bring back 24 cyber students. The cyber program currently has 94 full/part time students and we feel this option has prevented more students from choosing cyber charter programs. However, the increase in the charter school budget line is for predicted growth at the elementary level. Administration is currently exploring the possibility of opening an elementary and middle cyber program next year to attract those cyber students back to QCSD.

Question 5:
- Why is the cost of special education so high?

logoServices for students with special needs are one of the most regulated portions of district budget. Services for students with exceptionalities follow an articulated series of state and federal rules and regulations which are not fully reimbursed by the either government entity. The costs of these special services include expenditures for evaluations, placements, teacher aides, monitoring, specialized materials, technology, transportation, attorney fees, etc. While most students are served in QCSD schools, many are educated in off campus facilities, including some residential placements costing in the $100,000s.