Parent urges Souderton board to remove language in Policy 140.1 that could allow charging charter students

Laura Rivera, identifying herself as a resident of the Souderton school district and a parent of a child at the Souderton Charter School Collaborative, urged the board to remove or clarify language in Policy 140.1 that she said would permit the district to charge charter or cyber charter schools for their students' participation in extracurricular activities.

"The board may require the charter or cyber charter school to pay the cost of the expenses for its students' participation in the district's extracurricular activities or interscholastic athletic programs," Rivera quoted from the policy during public comment and said the provision could conflict with Pennsylvania charter law (Act 22). She warned such language could lead to "frivolous unnecessary spending" on lawsuits and potentially higher taxes, and asked why the clause was included if the district did not intend to enforce it.

Rivera told the board she was aware of about five charter students who might be affected if the policy were implemented and urged directors to consider removing the clause before a vote. She cited a prior court decision referenced in her remarks and encouraged board members to review Act 22 before acting.

The board did not respond with a detailed legal analysis during her comment period; Rivera's statement concluded when the chair's time limit was reached.