Charter School Bill Passes
May 28th, 2010
The charter school bill just passed the Senate by a vote of 45-14. The bill more than doubles the cap on charter schools in the state from 200 to 460. Representatives from the Bloomberg administration were involved in last minute negotiations to get a deal between the Senate and the Assembly. The move is meant to bolster the state’s chances of winning $700 million in Federal Race to the Top education funding.
Only republicans voted against the bill, including Sen. Frank Padavan.
Sen. Bill Perkins, an opponent of charter schools voted for the measure, saying it would install more checks and balances. Senate President Malcolm Smith said that he wants people to know that Race to the Top funds would go to the help public schools.
The legislature failed to make changes to the state’s education law earlier this year before the first round of Race to the Top applications were due. Gov. David Paterson and Mayor Michael Bloomberg support the measure. Opponents say allowing more charter schools will divert resources away from public schools.
The Senate managed to pass a bill that will fund state parks, earlier today.
By David King on May 28, 2010, 3:41 pmIn category: Albany, Education, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

