Assembly speaker cool to Cuomo plan to protect charter schools

ALBANY -- Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said a space “crisis” in New York City schools should be fixed before Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo helps secure space for charter schools.

Silver noted Cuomo hasn’t identified any funding to back up his promise to provide the resources, space and support needed for charter schools to thrive and grow. However, Silver stopped short of saying he would oppose Cuomo’s plan.

“I am not flatly ruling anything in or flatly ruling anything out,” Silver said. “I have drawn no lines.”

A fight over Cuomo’s proposed funding would come in budget debates in coming weeks. The issue arose after Cuomo submitted his budget and amendments. Cuomo had no immediate comment on Silver’s statement.

Charter schools are public schools operated by private entities to encourage innovation without some of the restrictions of traditional schools.

Cuomo made his commitment to charter schools at a rally Tuesday in Albany. Days earlier, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio reversed decisions by former Mayor Michael Bloomberg to allow three charter schools to operate in district school buildings. It was de Blasio's first move to fulfill a pledge to curb the growth of charter schools.

On Wednesday, Silver (D-Manhattan) supported  the mayor. Silver noted that de Blasio didn’t reverse 14 other decisions. The speaker also argued there were sound reasons to reverse three deals involving the Success Academy Charter Schools system, which was founded by former City Council member Eva Moskowitz. She had criticized de Blasio during his campaign.

Senate co-leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) supports Cuomo’s commitment to charter schools, which he said have proven they are successful.

De Blasio “is moving in the wrong direction,” said Senate co-leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) on Tuesday. “Certainly we can help with capital money from the state, we can make sure of the funding that is necessary to keep the charter schools open.”