The absence of a state budget has proved problematic for Quakertown Community School Board, which has seen a lapse in funding due to the situation in Harrisburg. In order to alleviate some of the financial stress caused by this issue, a resolution to temporarily reduce charter school payments was considered at the Oct. 23 meeting. The resolution will withhold 25 percent of payments to charter schools during the duration of the state's budget impasse.

            The resolution's text asserts that because the state budget has not passed on time, it is "fair, reasonable, and appropriate that charter schools share in the impact." The resolution is set to automatically expire when a budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 is enacted and state education funding to the district is resumed.

            The 25 percent number was chosen to match the percent of state subsidies not yet received in relation to the total revenue, which is 24.9 percent.

            Member Charles Shermer shared his belief that this reduction would have minimal impact on the students of these schools. He explained that there is a "$500 million fund available interest-free from the state that [charter schools] can get," noting that this avenue is available if the charter schools need money.

            Member Joseph Lyons expressed opposition to the resolution, explaining that "these are our students, all of them, and I believe we should fund them fully," and sharing his doubt that the school district withholding these funds would have any impact on the state legislature.

            Member Chris Spear added that charter school lobbyists are "powerful" and "getting them to help [pressure the state] might be helpful."

            Member Jonathan Kern also voiced opposition, adding that he did not want to use students as "political pawns to pressure the state."

            Member Ronald Jackson vocally shared his support for the measure.

            While exact figures were not shared, it was estimated that the withholding would save the district approximately $100,000 a month. The current annual budget for charter schools in the district is approximately $5,000,000.

            The resolution passed by one vote, 5-4. Members Jonathan Kern, Todd Hippauf, Glenn Iosue, and Joseph Lyons opposed the motion, while members Ronald Jackson, Charles Shermer, Chris Spear, Brian Reimers, and David O'Donnell all supported it.