One of the key topics of discussion during Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s committee meeting Oct. 13 was a resolution for charter school payment.

Business Manager John Malay began by explaining the background behind the proposed resolution, noting many school districts across Pennsylvania are facing financial strain due to the delay in state funding.

“We wanted to bring this to you tonight — many of the school districts around the state are not receiving their state basic education funding or other state allocations,” Malay said. “There’s a resolution circulating to not fully pay charter schools until funding resumes.”

Board members were provided a copy of the resolution, which mirrors similar actions being considered statewide.

“The school districts adopting these resolutions are essentially adopting the same language,” Malay explained.

He noted outline of the financial impact for Whitehall-Coplay School District, adding the district currently has about 144 students enrolled in charter schools. Under the resolution, the district would withhold approximately 34% of charter school payments — equating to about $6.5 million annually, or roughly $184,000 per month.

“It’s quite a bit of money,” Malay said.

Malay recommended the district adopt the resolution, with the intent to pay charter schools in full once the state budget is passed and the district receives its first round of basic education funding.

The resolution also includes a broader statement urging the state to act: “We resolve that the board calls upon the General Assembly to take immediate action to end the budget impasse and enact a fair and adequate public education funding system that treats both district and charter schools equitably.”

When asked about potential concerns, Malay acknowledged there is no clear legislation allowing districts to withhold these payments but emphasized it represents a collective stand by public school districts.

“From what I’ve heard, some of the charter schools would prefer receiving a percentage rather than nothing at all,” he added.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Schiffert echoed this sentiment, noting other districts have already adopted similar measures.

“A neighboring school district that passed this resolution shared that charter schools were expecting it and appreciated that districts are still providing partial payments,” Schiffert said. “They understand the situation we’re in.”

Board member Fady Salloum also weighed in, drawing a parallel between the district’s finances and personal budgeting.

“If the state hasn’t made us whole, we can’t make others whole,” he said. “In your own household, you’d wait until you’re paid before releasing other funds.”

After discussion, the board agreed to revisit the resolution at a future meeting for potential adoption.