Statement from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools on 2008 Federal Appropriations...

Statement from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools on 2008
Federal Appropriations Bill

Public Charter School Funding Substantially Cut, Jeopardizes High-Quality
Public Education Opportunities for America's Children

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The FY2008 federal omnibus
appropriations bill substantially cut funding for public charter schools,
forcing an already under funded sector to operate with less resources.

Nationally, charter schools receive 22% less funding per pupil than
traditional public schools. Federal programs have helped remedy this inequity,
especially by providing critical facilities support that is denied charters in
all but 11 states. This year's decreased funding will force charter schools
to dip further into funds that should go to teachers and instruction in order
to pay for bricks and mortar.

Overall, federal support for public charter schools decreased 16% in real
dollars in the FY08 bill -- a cut of more than $40 million at a time when
demand for these independent public schools is increasing. Since there are
more than 365,000 students on charter waiting lists throughout the country,
the National Alliance will work aggressively to restore and increase charter
school funding in FY2009.

"Six years ago today, with the signature of the No Child Left Behind Act into
law, the federal government substantially increased its commitment to high
quality public education. To fulfill that commitment and offer parents a
choice in their children's public education, it is imperative that Congress
fund the programs designed to assist public charter schools," said Nelson
Smith, President of the National Alliance. "Charter schools rely on federal
aid since they are shortchanged at the state and local levels. It's a one-two
punch for charters when the federal aid is decreased."

There are three primary federal programs for public charter schools. The
Public Charter Schools Program provides start-up funding to charter schools.
The State Facilities Incentive Grants program is a five-year competitive grant
program enabling states to create per-pupil facilities aid streams for charter
students. The Credit Enhancement for Charter School Facilities program
leverages private lending to support public charter schools mortgages and
renovations.

"These programs have been invaluable as charter schools have spread across the
country, growing from one school in 1992 to over 4,200 in 2007 serving
approximately 1.2 million students in 40 states and the District of Columbia,"
said Smith. "We call on Congress to be a more reliable partner for the
millions of families who need strong new public schools."

The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (www.publiccharters.org) is
the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school
movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high performing
charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and
minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools.
The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and
resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and
serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement.

SOURCE National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Jessica Schwartz Hahn, +1-703-478-0658, +1-571-239-3260,
Jessica@peithocom.com, for National Alliance for Public Charter Schools