In a potential boon for charter schools, Gov. Cuomo has proposed abolishing the cap that limits the sector’s expansion in New York City.
Advocates applauded the move, which the governor included in his $152.3 billion spending plan unveiled on Tuesday.
The city is coming close to hitting its charter-school cap and only 30 more can be approved under existing law.
The governor’s plan also would boost support for new and expanded charter schools housed in privately leased space in the city.
“Gov. Cuomo’s proposed budget reflects his deep understanding and appreciation of public schools and the important role charter schools play in the public education system, particularly for the highest needs students,” said James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter School Center.
Jenny Sedlis, director of StudentsFirstNY, also said the plan shows support for both public and charter schools and charters’ role “in improving educational opportunities for the highest need students.”
New York state has raised the cap twice, in 2007 and 2010.
Cuomo also proposed extending mayoral control over the city’s public schools for three years.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 New York City families gathered in Albany Wednesday to lobby for an expansion of charter-school seats.
Joined by supportive politicians, the rally called for 200,000 charter-school seats in the five boroughs by 2020.
“I believe in public education. I believe in charter schools. Last time I checked, charter schools are public schools,” said New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan.
“I can’t help but think about the 44,000 kids still waiting in line — that could so easily be me and my family,” said Sulma Arzu-Brown, whose kids attend Girls Prep Bronx Elementary School and Girls Prep Bronx Middle School. “If we double the number of kids in charter schools from 100,000 to 200,000, we get every kid off the waitlist and into a school they deserve.”
Critics have accused Mayor de Blasio of failing to adequately embrace charters. He has countered that his focus remains on traditional public schools because they still enroll roughly 90 percent of city kids.