The bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to create a Cyber Charter School Funding and Policy Council, which will develop recommendations on funding processes, policy impacts, and accountability measures for cyber charter schools. This council, composed of legislative and Department of Education members, is required to hold public hearings and submit its recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by April 1, 2026. The bill also modifies existing provisions related to advertising and sponsorships in public schools, mandates annual financial reporting of media expenditures, and updates the funding structure for cyber charter schools, including tuition rates for special and non-special education students.

Additionally, the bill introduces new accountability measures, such as requiring the Department of Education to create standard application forms for cyber charter schools and mandating notifications to parents if a school is identified as low-achieving. It establishes penalties for noncompliance, limits unassigned fund balances to 12% of total expenditures, and prohibits financial incentives for enrollment. The bill also imposes a moratorium on new cyber charter school approvals from the 2025-2026 to 2029-2030 school years, modifies charter renewal provisions, and increases funding for special education programs. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial management within cyber charter schools.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1795 (May 30, 2025): P.L.30, No.14, P.L. 343, No.176