Windber Area School District is committed to keeping families informed about changes in Pennsylvania education law, especially changes that affect student attendance, school choice, and student accountability.
Similar to recent changes in state law regarding weapons notification requirements, our goal is to ensure families receive clear, timely information when new laws are passed that impact students and school operations. Two new Pennsylvania laws, Act 44 of 2025 and Act 47 of 2025, include significant changes related to cyber charter enrollment.
New Law: Habitually Truant Students Cannot Transfer to an Outside Cyber Charter During the School Year
Under Act 44 and Act 47 of 2025, students who are considered habitually truant are prohibited from transferring to a cyber charter school during the school year unless a judge determines the transfer is in the student’s best interest. In Pennsylvania, a student is considered habitually truant if they have six (6) or more unexcused absences.
This reform was enacted to prevent cyber charter enrollment from being used as a way to avoid attendance accountability. In other words, the state’s intent is to ensure students with attendance concerns remain subject to the same expectations, interventions, and legal requirements regardless of where they are enrolled.
Why the State Made This Change
Across Pennsylvania, districts have reported situations where students with serious attendance issues were transferred to cyber charter schools after repeated truancy, sometimes as a way to avoid school-based attendance requirements. Acts 44 and 47 of 2025 were passed to address that issue.
The new law reinforces a key principle: Students who are struggling with attendance should not lose access to accountability systems and intervention supports simply by transferring to an online program.
What Families Should Understand
This law does not mean that cyber charter schools are prohibited. However, it does mean that cyber charter transfers during the school year are restricted for habitually truant students, unless a judge determines the move is in the student’s best interest.
Families should also understand that “habitually truant” is not a vague term. It is a specific legal designation tied to the threshold of six or more unexcused absences.
The Importance of School Attendance
Windber Area School District believes the best place for most students is in school, where they can access:
- Direct instruction
- Daily structure and routine
- Academic interventions
- Counseling support
- Social development
- Extracurricular opportunities
- Consistent adult guidance
Students who begin missing school often need additional support and structure. This is why Pennsylvania continues to strengthen attendance laws and accountability measures.
Financial Impact: Cyber Charter Schools Are Not Free
It is also important for families to understand the financial structure of cyber charter schools.
When a student enrolls in an outside cyber charter school, Windber Area School District is required to send tuition payments directly to that cyber school.
Current tuition costs are approximately:
- $10,000 per regular education student
- Nearly $20,000 per student with special needs
These dollars are taxpayer-funded and must be paid by the district. This funding is transferred away from Windber Area School District and impacts local resources that support students and programs in our community.
Our Commitment to Families
Windber Area School District is committed to transparent communication and ensuring families understand how new state laws impact students.
As additional statewide education reforms are enacted, we will continue to provide clear updates to our community—just as we have done with recent changes involving weapons notification and other safety-related requirements.
If you have questions about attendance, truancy requirements, or how these laws apply, please contact the district office.