Eric Paisner, Acting President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, released the following statement regarding the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s approved FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Bill:
“We thank the House Appropriations Committee for recognizing the incredible value of public charter schools by proposing a total of $20 million in increased funding for the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). Yesterday, the full House Appropriations Committee proposed a $10 million increase to the CSP appropriation. This follows an earlier proposed increase of $10 million by the Labor-HHS subcommittee last month, creating the largest proposed budget increase for charter schools in several years. This crucial funding source is the lifeline for creating high-quality, in-demand public charter schools across the nation.
“Families across the country want more public education options, and CSP funding is essential to meet this growing demand. Over the past five years, charter schools have been the only public schools to experience enrollment growth, demonstrating their unique appeal and success.
“We also call for an increase in Title I funding for schools serving low-income families. Charter schools predominantly serve Black, Brown, and students from underserved communities. The majority of charter school students benefit from Title I funding.
“Increased CSP funding is a huge win for charter schools, and it’s vital to remember that cuts to Title I funding could harm these unique public schools. Let’s continue to champion all our students and ensure they have access to the best public education options available.”
About the Charter Schools Program
At its current funding level of $440 million, the CSP amounts to less than one percent of federal spending on K-12 education. Research has consistently shown that charter schools across the country still receive nearly 30% less per pupil per year in funding than neighboring district-run public schools. For more than 25 years, the CSP has provided states with resources to help ensure every child can access a high-quality public education. It is the backbone for both the public education system and the charter school movement, strengthening their efforts to provide more equitable opportunities for all students. Read the Federal Charter Schools Program: 2024 Impact Report.
