Public Policy

More than $200 million for charter schools appropriated

On September 30, 2008, President Bush signed HR 2638, the FY2009 Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, into law. Known as a “continuing resolution,” the bill funds the U.S. Department of Education and several other agencies through March 6th, 2009. Included in the bill is funding for the Public Charter Schools Program (CSP), the State Facilities Incentive Grants Program, and the Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities Program at an annualized rate of $211 million – the same level as last year. While less than the President’s initially proposed $272 million, there’s reason to be optimistic about charter school support next year. Draft bills in the House and Senate supported funding increases and both presidential candidates have been vocal advocates of expanding public charter schools while campaigning this fall. Despite the economic downturn, next year may very well see an increase in federal charter school funding.

The 110th Session of Congress has recessed, and although significant K-12 education policy matters (like reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act) remain for the next Congress, one thing from this last Congress is clear, support for public charter schools is now firmly bi-partisan.

Source:  National Alliance for Public Charter Schools