The New York State Charter Schools Act included a statutory cap of 100 charter schools state-wide, with an unlimited number of conversion schools allowed.  This cap is quickly reaching full capacity.  Only 16 new schools can be created under this limit unless the law is changed by the New York State legislature and Governor. 

 

The SUNY Charter Schools Institute has granted all but 6 of its 50 allowed charters, and the State Education Department Board of Regents has granted all but 10 of its 50.  To date, three charter schools have been closed due to poor performance and management.  It is unclear whether these three charters may be “recycled” and granted to a new school.

 

Educators and policy makers state-wide, including New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and Buffalo Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, have been lobbying for the elimination of this limit on charter schools. 

 

As more parents choose charter schools for their children a clear trend has emerged: parents are demanding more charter schools for their children.  In the face of such remarkable, and significant, constituent demand, stay tuned for more political leaders, but republicans and democrats, to support an expansion or complete elimination of the cap.

 

Click here for a chart of New York Charter Schools, including authorizer and year of approval. 

 

Momentum in 2005 Legislative Session

An exciting effort to lift the cap on charter schools gained attention during the 2005 New York State legislative session.  While the session closed without action, the progress was encouraging.  A broad group of legislators, parents, and the Charter Schools Association were behind the push.  Check out this account from Veria Samaroo, Public Affairs Specialist at the Association, to view click here.

 

Lift the Cap Resources

Click here for a statement by Bill Phillips of the New York Charter Schools Association  submitted to the Charter School Leadership Council.

 

"Memo to Albany: Put Kids First", New York Post June 20, 2006

 

"Albany's School Test", New York Post June 19, 2006

 

"Charter School Foes Act Like Children", Daily News June 17, 2006

 

"Voice for Kids", New York Post May 25, 2006

 

Press Release: Mayor Mike Bloomberg Presents Vision for Expanding Charter Schools, October 10, 2005

 

"Lift the Cap on Charter Schools", Daily News, September 18, 2005