Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to institute a moratorium on the opening of all new charter schools in New York City until the Department of Education produces a detailed report of how the funding levels for charter schools will grow over the next five years.

Res. No. 62

Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to institute a moratorium on the opening of all new charter schools in New York City until the Department of Education produces a detailed report of how the funding levels for charter schools will grow over the next five years.

By Council Member Levin

Whereas, At the close of the 2012-2013 school year there were 159 charter schools operating in New York City; and

Whereas, The number of charter schools has since increased by 43 percent to 227 schools in the 2017-2018 school year; and

Whereas, Spending on charter schools in the City will now exceed $1.9 billion in FY18, an increase of 14% over the adopted FY17 budget; and

Whereas, Similarly, spending on charter schools increased 14% from FY15 to FY16 and increased 15% from FY16 to FY17; and

Whereas, There were also changes at the State level that will impact charter school costs in the upcoming school year; and

Whereas, The Adopted State Budget included a $500 increase in the supplemental basic tuition rate for the upcoming school year, making the total per pupil rate $14,527; and

Whereas, Additionally, the State approved an increase in the Charter Facilities Rental Aid for privately leased space from 20 percent to 30 percent; and

Whereas, The increase in the supplemental per pupil tuition rate is reflected in the Executive Budget with an adjustment of $57.3 million in State Aid; and

Whereas, However, the Executive Budget does not reflect an increase in funding to cover facilities payments for charter schools; and

Whereas, Costs associated with charter schools will continue to rise annually due to State mandates, charter school growth and increases in enrollment; and

Whereas, Before continuing the current pace of opening charter schools, the DOE should be required to provide a detailed report of how the funding levels for charter schools will grow over the next five years; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Education to institute a moratorium on the opening of all new charter schools in New York City until the Department of Education produces a detailed report of how the funding levels for charter schools will grow over the next five years.

LS 247/ Res 60-2014

LS# 773

JA

1/3/18