Carol Burris: There is a reason that Betsy DeVos sings the praises of Andrew Cuomo.

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There is a reason that Betsy DeVos sings the praises of Andrew Cuomo.

He talks Betsy’s language. He called public schools “a monopoly” that he wants to “break.” He introduced the “Parental Choice Act,” a voucher program using tax credits.  And when it comes to charter schools, he received millions in donations from their advocates. Cuomo earns those donations by furthering the charter lobby agenda.

And this year, he is doing it again.

Cuomo wants to expand charters in NYC even further by eliminating the charter cap. His budget would give more taxpayer dollars to charter schools for rent.  And he wants to force NYC schools to give even more space in their own school buildings to charter schools.

But that’s not all.  Cuomo’s budget would decrease the current reimbursement to school districts for supplemental charter tuition in 2018-19, and give reimbursement to fewer districts. This would be a $22 million reduction in aid to school districts statewide.

Tell Governor Cuomo to stop privatizing New York public education by sending an email here.

Below is a sample of the per pupil charter tuition rates that some New York districts must pay when a student attends a charter school:

Pawling Central School District: $16,071 per student.

Albany City School District:  $14,572 per student.

Lake Pleasant School District:  $25,831

Hempstead School District: $18,202

Lawrence School District: $ 23,002

Rockville Centre School District:  $23,002

New York City: $14,027

Are you shocked? You should be. And districts pay transportation costs as well.

To see the charter school per pupil tuition rate your district pays from its budget (or would pay if charters expand to your area) go here.

With Betsy DeVos in charge, Cuomo will have a Washington partner. Make it clear to Cuomo that you support public education and oppose school privatization by sending this email today.

Please share this letter by posting this link:

http://npeaction.org/2017/02/10/dont-let-andrew-cuomo-betsy-de-voss-dirty-work-new-york/

Thank you for all you do,

Carol Burris

Executive Director

Documentary: $ BACKPACK FULL OF CASH $

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BACKPACK FULL OF CASH is a new 90-minute documentary, narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Matt Damon, that examines the growth of market-based education reforms such as privately-run charter schools, student testing and vouchers—and their impact on America’s most vulnerable children. Watch the new trailer!

 

BACKPACK FULL OF CASH Official Trailer from Stone Lantern Films on Vimeo.

Narrated by Matt Damon, Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. This 90-minute documentary takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013–14 school year, into the world of what is now called education “reform.” In Philadelphia and other big cities, public education – starved of resources – hangs in the balance.

The filmmakers are part of the team that made the award-winning 4-part PBS series, SCHOOL: The Story of Public Education, narrated by Meryl Streep.

Candidates Endorsed by NYSUT

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United States Senate

  • Chuck Schumer

New York State Senate

  • SD1      |   Kenneth LaValle
  • SD2      |   Peter Magistrale*
  • SD3      |   Tom Croci
  • SD4      |   Phil Boyle
  • SD5      |   Jim Gaughran*
  • SD6      |   Ryan Cronin*
  • SD7      |   Adam Haber
  • SD8      |   John Brooks*
  • SD9      |   Todd Kaminsky

New York State Assembly

  • AD1      |   Fred Thiele, Jr.
  • AD2      |   Anthony Palumbo
  • AD3      |   Dean Murray
  • AD4      |   Steve Englebright
  • AD5      |   Alfred Graf
  • AD6      |   Phil Ramos
  • AD7      |   Andrew Garbarino
  • AD8      |   Richard Macellaro
  • AD9      |   Joseph Saladino
  • AD10    |   Chad Lupinacci
  • AD11    |   Kimberly Jean-Pierre
  • AD12    |   Andrew Raia
  • AD13    |   Charles Lavine
  • AD14    |   David McDonough
  • AD15    |   Michael Montesano
  • AD16    |   Anthony D’Urso
  • AD17    |   Tom McKevitt
  • AD19    |   Edward Ra
  • AD20    |   Anthony Eramo
  • AD22    |   Michaelle Solages

House of Representatives

  • CD1      |   Anna Throne-Holst
  • CD2      |   DuWayne Gregory
  • CD3      |   Thomas Suozzi
  • CD5      |   Gregory Meeks

*Pro Education Candidate Not Officially Endorsed By NYSUT