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| Wilson’s Charter School Proposals Included in Final Education Bill |
December 12, 2001 |
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| ‘Education is more important than ever’
WASHINGTON, DC- Congresswoman Heather Wilson announced today that the final education bill (HR 1) contains two a provisions on Charter School building financing that she proposed.
Wilson’s provision gives states or local districts matching grants over a five year transition period if they equalize funding for buildings and capital expenses for charter schools on a per pupil basis. Most states allow operating funds to go to charter schools but very few make any provision for capital funds. One of the biggest barriers for charter schools is building or leasing space. For Charter Schools in New Mexico, rent has to come out of the per-pupil operating money. Regular public schools get their buildings paid for separately.
"Some states are considering formulas to make financing for public charter schools fairer. This federal program will help ease the transition for states to move in that direction," Wilson said.
The final education bill will also continue for two more years the Charter School Facility Financing Demonstration Project that Wilson sponsored and got funded last year. The Charter School Facility Financing Demonstration Project would fund three pilot projects that come up with innovative approaches to finance charter school construction. The financing mechanisms could be revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, or other mechanisms to reduce the cost of borrowing money to build or refurbish space for charter schools. Wilson`s office has been encouraging New Mexico Charter Schools and financial groups to apply to be a pilot site.
“Education is more important than ever,” said Wilson. “Charter schools provide a choice for parents within the public school system. I hope this helps more of them to succeed and meet the needs of our children.”
Charter schools were created to improve student achievement, enhance parental and student choice in public schools, and help promote educational reform -- mirroring the goals that HR 1 seeks to achieve. There is a movement in the growth of charter schools in the past few years. Currently New Mexico has eleven operating charter schools and an additional nine schools are expected to open this year alone. This is not unique to New Mexico, but is a growing trend throughout the country. Recognizing the importance of charter schools, currently, more than 36 states have charter school legislation. Each community determines the needs which charter schools address, such as smaller school size, reduced teacher pupil ratios, identifying a specific population that needs to be served, and providing a safe and unique learning environment.
The House and Senate must both vote on the final conference report before it is sent to the President for signature. |
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