ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York charter school advocates are emboldened by promises from state Senate leadership and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to increase funding for charter schools this year.
About 1,500 educators, parents, and students rallied Tuesday at the convention center in Albany, calling on elected officials to commit more money for school buildings and eliminate the cap on charter schools allowed in New York City.
New York has two caps, one for the state and one for New York City. The governor’s proposal to eliminate the New York City cap would leave only a statewide cap and allow for more schools to open in the city, where charter operators say more than 44,000 students remain on waitlists. Only 30 charters remain available under the New York City cap, but the statewide cap allows for 126 more in areas outside the city.
Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan joined a handful of speakers in affirming Senate commitment to charter schools across the state.
“The fact that there are waiting lists tells me the fervor and passion and dedication of people who want to do well by their children,” Flanagan said to cheers from the packed room. “For our students in particular, my job is to work with the government to make sure you get everything you need.”
The governor’s proposal also would alter the funding formulas for facilities.
Janeene Freeman, CEO of Northeast Charter Schools Network, said while New York City supplies buildings for a few schools, many charters in other parts of the state do not receive public dollars for building rentals and end up using portions of their operating budgets. Cuomo’s proposal would increase state aid for facility costs.
“We want to ensure charters are able to flourish,” Freeman said. “And governor has been incredibly good to us.”
Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said the chamber has not begun budget discussions on education with the Senate and governor. But the position of the Democratic-controlled chamber on charter schools has not changed, he said. In previous years, Assembly Democrats have been more resistant to raising the cap.
Erica Martinez sat in the front row of the crowded hall with her 6-year-old son, Luciano, who waved a sign that said “Charters Open Doors” as the Northside Charter High School choir performed “Let the Sun Shine In” from the Broadway musical Hair. Martinez, a disabled veteran, said she enrolled her son in Voice Charter School in Queens, because she wants him to have a better education than she did.
“I just think charter schools care more,” Martinez said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.