Published October 30. 2025 06:48AM<\/p>\n
One of the key topics of discussion during Whitehall-Coplay School Board\u2019s committee meeting Oct. 13 was a resolution for charter school payment.<\/p>\n
Business Manager John Malay began by explaining the background behind the proposed resolution, noting many school districts across Pennsylvania are facing financial strain due to the delay in state funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to bring this to you tonight \u2014 many of the school districts around the state are not receiving their state basic education funding or other state allocations,\u201d Malay said. \u201cThere\u2019s a resolution circulating to not fully pay charter schools until funding resumes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Board members were provided a copy of the resolution, which mirrors similar actions being considered statewide.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe school districts adopting these resolutions are essentially adopting the same language,\u201d Malay explained.<\/p>\n
He noted outline of the financial impact for Whitehall-Coplay School District, adding the district currently has about 144 students enrolled in charter schools. Under the resolution, the district would withhold approximately 34% of charter school payments \u2014 equating to about $6.5 million annually, or roughly $184,000 per month.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite a bit of money,\u201d Malay said.<\/p>\n
Malay recommended the district adopt the resolution, with the intent to pay charter schools in full once the state budget is passed and the district receives its first round of basic education funding.<\/p>\n
The resolution also includes a broader statement urging the state to act: \u201cWe resolve that the board calls upon the General Assembly to take immediate action to end the budget impasse and enact a fair and adequate public education funding system that treats both district and charter schools equitably.\u201d<\/p>\n
When asked about potential concerns, Malay acknowledged there is no clear legislation allowing districts to withhold these payments but emphasized it represents a collective stand by public school districts.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom what I\u2019ve heard, some of the charter schools would prefer receiving a percentage rather than nothing at all,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Schiffert echoed this sentiment, noting other districts have already adopted similar measures.<\/p>\n
\u201cA neighboring school district that passed this resolution shared that charter schools were expecting it and appreciated that districts are still providing partial payments,\u201d Schiffert said. \u201cThey understand the situation we\u2019re in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Board member Fady Salloum also weighed in, drawing a parallel between the district\u2019s finances and personal budgeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the state hasn\u2019t made us whole, we can\u2019t make others whole,\u201d he said. \u201cIn your own household, you\u2019d wait until you\u2019re paid before releasing other funds.\u201d<\/p>\n
After discussion, the board agreed to revisit the resolution at a future meeting for potential adoption.<\/p>\n
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