By ANNA GRONEWOLD
Associated Press
ALBANY (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.”
