ALBANY (AP) -- Gov. David Paterson wants to eliminate the state's 200-school cap on charter schools as part of legislation aimed at getting up to $700 million in federal "Race to the Top" grants.
Paterson submitted a bill on Thursday that would lift the cap. It also would allow the Dormitory Authority to finance charter school capital funding for approved charter schools.
Race to the Top awards are competitive grants that will go to states that have ambitious plans for compelling and comprehensive education reforms. Paterson said the Regents and the Education Department are creating a highly competitive application for the Jan. 19 deadline.
The Obama administration has dangled $4.35 billion in front of states if they meet certain reform criteria, including the elimination of charter caps.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
