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NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WINS $113 MILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS
TO INCREASE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS
The United States Department of Education (USDOE) has awarded the State
Education Department grants totaling more than $113 million over five
years to increase public school choice options throughout the state.
Fourteen states applied for grants under the federal Charter Schools
Program competition, but only New York and Florida succeeded in winning
grant awards. The Program provides funding to states to create new,
high-quality public charter schools and disseminate the best practices
of existing charter schools.
Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. said, "I'd like to thank
President Obama and Secretary Duncan for providing these grants, which I
know will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of many New
Yorkers. This funding will help us turn around our lowest performing
schools and replicate what we know works in successful charter and
district schools."
The grants will provide start-up funding for new public charter schools
to open across the state. Specifically, New York's successful grant
application calls for the state to use its funding to provide incentives
to open schools that serve high-needs students; to replicate and expand
quality schools and networks that have proven results; and to turn
around the state's lowest performing schools. In approving New York's
application, USDOE raters praised the commitment that Commissioner King
and Assistant Commissioner for School Innovation, Sally Bachofer, have
shown in advancing high-quality public school options in New York.
Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch said, "The Board of Regents believes
that quality charter schools, when carefully selected and held
accountable for their results, are an important element in making good
public schools available to the children of our state. This grant helps
ensure there will now be more high-quality options available to New
York's families."
New York's grant is for fiscal years 2011-2016; it is the largest such
grant New York has ever applied for or won. Yearly award amounts are as
follows:
Project Year 1: $28,259,451
Project Year 2: $22,575,043
Project Year 3: $22,575,043
Project Year 4: $20,800,097
Project Year 5: $19,133,431
Total: $113,343,065
New York's successful grant application also calls for an enhanced
collaborative effort among the state's charter authorizers, the "Quality
Charter Authorizer Partnership." Staff from the State Education
Department's Charter School Office, the Charter Schools Institute at
SUNY, and the Charter Schools Office of the New York City Department of
Education will work together to improve authorizing practices and
contribute to state and national charter school authorization and policy
dialogue.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said: "Charter schools are a critical
component in educating New York's students, and this federal support
will help bolster our state's already exceptional track record in
authorizing quality K-12 charter programs by both SUNY and the State
Education Department. SUNY is the largest authorizer of charter schools
in the nation and has often been referred to as a leading example of
rigorous accountability and quality control. We thank President Obama
and Secretary Duncan for this much needed support and look forward to
partnering with Commissioner King in utilizing these additional funds to
bring that distinction to the next level."
SUNY Board of Trustees Education, College Readiness, and Success
Committee Chairman Pedro A. Noguera said: "These grants will serve as an
important catalyst for charter school development and will benefit
children throughout the state, particularly in urban areas and our most
underserved communities. The Obama administration should be commended
for recognizing both the importance of charter schools in America's
education system, as well as the quality of New York's authorizing
bodies and their potential to provide an even higher level of support
and oversight."
"This award is a tremendous victory for New York's kids," said Greg
Richmond, President and CEO of the National Association of Charter
School Authorizers (NACSA). "The New York State Education Department has
committed itself to implementing best practices for authorizing charter
schools. This grant acknowledges their dedication to providing the best
education opportunities to the families of New York."
James Merriman, CEO of the New York City Charter School Center said,
"The federal Charter Schools Program's grant award is terrific news for
educational quality in New York State. This funding will not only help
new charter schools get started, it will strengthen their oversight and
help them share best practices with other public schools. Secretary
Duncan, Commissioner King, and their respective staffs deserve great
credit for facilitating this investment in New York's children."
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