Charter School Cap May Decide Fate Of Funds

January 5, 2010

The state has just two weeks to finish work on a proposal that will determine whether it gets $700 million in education funding from Washington, D.C. And what Albany says about charter schools will play a big part.

The Obama administration says the money will go only to states who follow their guidelines, including not limiting the number of charter schools. Right now, New York caps the number at 200 and time is running out for Albany to change that before the federal deadline. But advocates for charter schools remain optimistic.

"It’s going to take all of our energy coming together to do it, New York is late off the starting line. And this is a time to concentrate on doing what is most important to get done, which is making us competitive for $700 million in aid," said James Merriman of the New York City Charter School Center.

State Senate president Malcolm Smith introduced a bill in December to raise the charter school cap to 400, and Governor David Paterson’s office also plans to introduce legislation this week to increase the number of charters in the state.

But not everyone is onboard. The state teachers union and school board association have both come out against the proposals, and on Sunday, the city teachers union stood with ele cted officials to criticize charter schools they say don’t serve enough students with special needs. They want a host of new restrictions included in any new charter school legislation.

"We need to have fairness for all students. We need all parents to have true choice in their neighborhoods," said Teachers Union President Michael Mulgrew.

But charter school advocates warn that with only two weeks left for Albany to act, the restrictions their critics want will run afoul of the federal guidelines and cost the state money it desperately needs.

"Frankly, the recommendations that the UFT has put out aren’t helpful, they are going to distract us in a time where we can’t afford to be distracted, they are going to take New York State out of the race and they are going to cost New York State $700 million," Merriman said.

Lawmakers in Albany admit they don’t have much time — just seven days from when committees begin meeting next Monday to the January 19th federal deadline. And with all of the controversy, it may not only be a rush but a battle.