THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY DERMODY, JULY 2, 2012

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON RULES, JULY 2, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to

conduct a study to evaluate the delivery of services by

charter schools, including cyber charter schools, in this

Commonwealth and track the use of funds received from the

Commonwealth.

WHEREAS, Annually, the Commonwealth provides millions of

taxpayer dollars to fund private nonprofit and for-profit

entities to establish and maintain charter schools that operate

independently from the existing public school district

structure; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of these charter schools is to, among

other things, improve student learning, increase learning

opportunities for all students, create new professional

opportunities for teachers and provide parents and students with

expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that

are available within the public school system; and

WHEREAS, There has been no accountability by these entities

regarding the use of the funds received from the Commonwealth;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study to

evaluate the delivery of services by charter schools, including

cyber charter schools, in this Commonwealth and track the use of

funds received from the Commonwealth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee,

in consultation and cooperation with the Department of

Education, collect and compile information regarding the

expenditures by each individual or entity that owns and/or

operates a charter school, including a cyber charter school,

receiving Commonwealth funds, including the compensation of

executives and the 20 highest paid employees, association dues,

debts, assets, lobbying expenses, administrative expenses,

operating costs and the indirect and direct costs of delivering

services in this Commonwealth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

prepare a report regarding the expenditures of each individual

or entity that owns and/or operates a charter school, including

a cyber charter school, and other information the committee

deems relevant; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the report shall include recommendations to

address the efficiency and quality of services provided by

charter schools, including cyber charter schools, in this

Commonwealth and to address the accountability of expenditure of

funds; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the report shall be submitted to the Majority

and Minority Chairs of the Education Committee and the

Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives by

April 1, 2013.