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Federal Charter Schools Program Remains Intact In Senate Appropriations Bill

Federal Charter Schools Program Remains Intact In Senate Appropriations Bill

August 2, 2024

Starlee Coleman, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s approved FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Bill:

“We thank the Senate Appropriations Committee for recognizing the incredible value of public charter schools by funding the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). This crucial funding source is the lifeline for creating high-quality, in-demand public charter schools across the nation. The Appropriations Committee Report also includes language intended to remove bureaucratic roadblocks to spending funds in the State Entity grant program and to ensure the U.S. Department of Education is responding to grantee requests in a timely manner and with as much flexibility allowed by the statute.

“This action follows two earlier increases to the CSP totaling $20 million by the U.S. House Labor-HHS subcommittee and the House Appropriations committee, creating the largest proposed budget increase for charter schools in several years. We look forward to the House and Senate reconciling the appropriations budget and continued momentum in advancing public education equity and excellence.

“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 thank the Senate for increasing Title I and IDEA 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 and IDEA funding.

“These critical investments in the CSP, Title I, and IDEA not only sustain but also expand opportunities for high-quality public charter schools nationwide, meeting the growing demand from families for diverse educational choices.”

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. 

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