Letter to editor:  Cyber schools already exist 

March 24, 2008
 
Why must our schools "reinvent the wheel"? The article on the front page of the YDR, Feb. 27, suggests that the county create a cyber school. YDR's editorial on March 6 supports this idea. But did you know that there are 11 public cyber charter schools already available in Pennsylvania with more than 17,000 students enrolled? These cyber schools provide students who need a different type of program with personalized education over the Internet. Also, these schools cost the districts thousands less per student than the local school system.
 
Instead of creating their own cyber school, the county could contract with one of the existing schools. Money seems to be the motive for creating a separate entity. Our local school sends budget money to these cyber schools when a student transfers to them. The myth is that the county can create a cyber school for a lower cost. Currently, cyber schools compete with each other and the local school system to obtain students. This competition puts pressure on the cyber schools to be the best at providing this education. The county's cyber school would not have to compete.
 
My student has completed over a year at Agora Cyber Charter School. We no longer need a 504 plan or IEP to address school needs. We have frequent contact with each of the teachers. They are tremendously supportive. My student finishes before the local school is over because the program is self-paced. Any concerns I have are addressed within 24-48 hours.
 
I cannot tell you how thankful I am that Pennsylvania has provided the option of cyber school as part of public education. I also want to reiterate that it is already available and there is no need for the county to create one.

JUDY GLORIOSO
YORK TOWNSHIP
 
http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_8673430?source=email