Although higher instructional expenditures appeared to be associated with decreasing proportions of students scoring in the bottom quartile, none of these results achieved statistical significance. However, in every cut of the data we observed that higher instructional expenditures were statistically related to better test performance while the reverse was true for lower instructional expenditures. Reflecting on the article submitted by Mr. Richard Rossi, Superintendnet of Schools of the Sharon School District on Charter schools, the following comes to mind. Under ACT 22, Pennsylvania's school districts have the primary responsibility for funding charter schools. However, the decision to deny or revoke a charter can be reversed by an unelected state appeals board appointed by the Governor and chaired by the Secretary of Education.
Charter schools can have a major impact on school district budgets.
Some would say that this legislation is one of a host of unfunded mandates by the state. By now, most districts are aware of the funds for education that have been suggested in Governor Ridge's proposed state budget for 1999-2000. You have copies of these numbers. There are still many questions about both the basic subsidy and special education. Districts of all spectrums of wealth have contacted us about these numbers and how they compare to the inflation rate and increases in the past.