Nationally renowned cyber charter school pioneer officially steps down

Officials praise his commitment to educational opportunities for children

MIDLAND, Pa., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School officially said farewell yesterday to its only CEO since opening its doors in 2000, Dr. Nick Trombetta took the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the school he founded and reflect upon important milestones that not only help to define the school, but the now burgeoning cyber charter school movement in Pennsylvania and across the country.

"With the help of so many top-notch educators and the commitment of policymakers willing to embrace a bold new way of providing Pennsylvania's children with true educational opportunities, I have watched PA Cyber grow from 500 students to over 11,000 today," Trombetta said. "We traveled a road fraught with stumbling blocks since envisioning the idea back in the late 90s. But the rewards have been worth it."

Trombetta said he will continue stimulating thought-provoking dialogue among education leaders who can advance opportunities for kids, and working with policymakers to reach consensus on controversial issues. Most recently, Trombetta has been working with Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, who has been at the forefront of efforts to reform the state's funding formula for charter and cyber charter schools.

"We had a great meeting with General Wagner, who took the time to tour our Harrisburg facility and have a meaningful discussion about our operation, our challenges and our successes," Trombetta said.

"It's this kind of dialogue that is helpful to our children, and our taxpayers," Wagner said. "I appreciate Dr. Trombetta's efforts at providing alternatives for educating our children."

Trombetta said he is supportive of policymakers' efforts to enact a charter school reform bill that will increase accountability, prevent financial mismanagement, and allow high-performing schools to thrive.

"Dr. Trombetta has a strong record of supporting measures that combine educational excellence with taxpayer accountability, and giving us input on policy that allows families to choose what's best for them and their children," Senate Education Committee Chairman Jeff Piccola said. "I'm glad to hear he plans to stay engaged.

"Having PA Cyber in the heart of my legislative district has been a source of pride for me since I began representing it," said state Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver). "Not only can I tout the fact that its students and educators made AYP for the past three years, but that its leaders pioneered and remain at the forefront of the creation of innovations that give students across the commonwealth the chance to thrive. I'm sorry to see Dr. Trombetta step down, but I know he will continue contributing to education reform.

"I am very proud of the accomplishments of our school and community. Over the past 15 years, we have worked together to build a new education model in Pennsylvania, and I don't plan on letting the legacy end there," Trombetta said.

Trombetta has devoted 36 years to public education. He will continue to serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, as well as SEAP, the Special Education Advisory Panel, which among other things, advises the Pennsylvania Department of Education on the unmet educational needs of students with disabilities.

contact:
Christina Zarek
[email protected] 
717-805-2337

SOURCE PA Cyber