Most people have heard of charter schools, but not many people know what exactly they are, how they are funded, or how they impact public school districts in Pennsylvania. Charter schools are independent public schools that are exempt from many traditional public-school mandates—such as being governed by a publicly elected school board—and frequently focus their enrollment and specialize in certain areas, like the performing arts. Originally, charter schools were created to encourage the use of innovating teaching methods and increase unique educational opportunities for students. They are free to the students who attend. But while charter schools may seem like a harmless alternative to traditional public schools, the way that Pennsylvania funds its charter schools is wreaking havoc on public school districts.