Sunnyside’s Cathy Nolan backs Charter Schools
Queens state Assembly members helped to usher in legislation that more than doubles the number of charter schools in New York state last week, a move officials said could help the state land hundreds of millions of dollars in federal education funding.
The Assembly bill raises the cap on charter schools — publicly funded but privately run institutions supported by President Barack Obama’s administration — from 200 to 460. The state Senate passed a similar bill earlier this month.
The number of charter schools in New York City could grow to no more than 214. There are 100 in the city now.
The Assembly’s Queens delegation voted for the bill, including Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Ridgewood), chairwoman of the Assembly Education Committee, and Assemblymen Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), David Weprin (D-Little Neck) and Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills).
“This bill will allow New York state to submit a competitive application for federal Race to the Top funding and increase our chances at receiving up to $700 million for our schools,” said Nolan.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) and Gov. David Paterson echoed Nolan’s sentiments, saying the support for the charter schools was crucial for the Race to the Top application that was due June 1.
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