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."