NYC Mayor Strikes a Major Blow to Charter Schools, Cuts $210 Million from Their Budgets

[rpannier]

snip

For 12 years it was Mayor Bloomberg, standing at the forefront of a national education reform movement, who overshadowed Bill de Blasio and his progressive ilk. Bloomberg considered New York the “ poster child” of free-market education reform as he seized mayoral control of the district, closed nearly 200 “failing schools” and opened about that many charters.

But as de Blasio settles into office, his administration has already dealt major blows to one of Bloomberg’s sacred cows. Late last week, newly appointed schools chancellor Carmen Fariña announced that the Department of Education would redirect $210 million from charter schools and independent nonprofits to fund de Blasio’s pre-kindergarten initiative.

The surprise announcement reflects educational priorities in upheaval. The millions in question had been earmarked by the former administration to help clear space for new and expanding charter schools in the coming five years. Instead, Fariña plans to divert the funds to priorities like de Blasio’s flagship initiative, the pre-kindergarten programs sold largely as a remedy for inequality.

snip

A sharpened focus on inequality from the city’s top brass heralds a sea change in New York education, the third most deeply segregated system in the country. It’s no surprise, then, that de Blasio has targeted the charter sector many see as a manifestation of his well-known “tale of two cities” rhetoric. After private donations, many charters receive more funding than public schools, while serving markedly fewer students with special needs and English language learners.

link:
http://www.alternet.org/education/nyc-mayor-strikes-major-blow-charter-schools-cuts-210-million-their-budgets

[No Elephants]

1. No reason on earth that public tax money should go to any schools besides

public schools--no reason whatever.


Whether this was the correct way to withdraw or to begin withdrawal, or whether the funds drawn back from charter schools should go to pre-K, I don't know. Mad Floridian may, but I don't.


Thanks for this post. Good to know.

[Enthusiast]

2. Nice to see you, rpannier!

I do not think Arne Duncan and the President would approve of this radical education plan undertaken by the far left, commie, gigantic mayor. Of course the people elected de Blasio, but what do they know. :sarcasm: :)