PA Cyber Charter School Used Taxpayer Money for a Three Day Luxury Resort Staff Retreat in the Poconos

PA Cyber Charter School is drawing criticism after holding a three day staff orientation at a luxury resort in the Poconos, all paid for with taxpayer dollars. The statewide cyber charter, which already receives hundreds of millions in public school funding each year, chose to spend part of it on a high end getaway instead of classroom resources or student services.

The decision comes as school districts across Pennsylvania continue sounding the alarm about the soaring cost of charter tuition and the lack of financial oversight for cyber schools. While local districts are forced to cut programs and raise property taxes, PA Cyber used public money for resort lodging, catered events, and conference amenities.

For taxpayers and public school parents, it is another example of how Pennsylvania’s charter system allows publicly funded schools to operate with minimal accountability. Families are told cyber schools need more money to educate kids, but PA Cyber’s spending priorities tell a different story.