Washington, D.C. The FY2017 spending bill, approved last night by Congress includes a $9 million increase for the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP). National Alliance President and CEO Nina Rees released the following statement in response to the announcement:
“Last night, Congress demonstrated bipartisan support for charter public schools with its $9 million increase to the Charter Schools Program. We are grateful for this crucial funding that will allow more high-quality charter public schools to open, expand, and replicate so that more students have access to the great public education options they deserve. We were also pleased to see that Title I and IDEA programs vital to all public school students, including the more than three million students who attend charter public schools saw small, but important increases as well.
“We are grateful to Congressional leadership, especially Senators Blunt and Murray, and Representatives Cole and DeLauro, who worked in a bipartisan way to support the CSP and increases to other critical programs that support public schools. It is encouraging to see bipartisan support continue for charter public schools given the politically divisive landscape in Washington.
“Congress action comes at the top of National Charter School Week (May 1-5), which the National Alliance is celebrating with a week-long series of events and announcements in recognition of the charter school change makers who are empowering students with high-quality education options.”
About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the public charter school movement. Our mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector. For more information, please visit www.publiccharters.org.
