Pennsylvania has been dubbed the “cyber charter school capital” of the country, with more than 60,000 students enrolled as of 2024 and enrollment growing every year. Cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania are funded by more than $1 billion in taxpayer funding from school districts—but unlike school districts, public information on how public funds are spent by cyber charter schools is often hard to come by.
In 2022, Education Voters of PA filed a Right to Know request to examine how Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA), Pennsylvania’s largest cyber charter school, spends public moneys to reimburse families for activities and classes outside of the school day. After CCA refused to provide the requested records, we represented Education Voters of PA in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas and won, with the court ordering CCA to produce the requested documents showing the flow of taxpayer funds from CCA.
CCA has appealed the decision to the Commonwealth Court. We are representing Education Voters of PA for the appeal and will continue to stand with partners like Education Voters of PA to demand transparency and accountability from cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania.
May 2022
June 2022
July 2022
September 2022
August 2023
August 2023
September 2023
February 2024
March 2024
June 2024
July 2024
Ed Voters filed a Right to Know request with CCA
CCA refused to provide the requested documents
Ed Voters filed an appeal with the Office of Open Records (OOR)
The OOR issued a Final Determination stating that CCA had to provide Ed Voters with the documents.
Brief of the Respondents
Brief of the Petitioners
Oral Argument in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Order issued requiring CCA to provide the requested documents
CCA filed a Notice of Appeal of the Court of Common Pleas Order with Commonwealth Court
CCA's Brief
Appellee's Brief
