State lawmakers will hear plenty about two major educational issues in the city — universal pre-kindergarten and charter schools — as supporters on both issues head to Albany for Lobby Day.
Outside the capitol this afternoon, Governor Andrew Cuomo joined thousands of city parents, students, and educators for a rally in support of charter schools.
The rally was prompted by Mayor Bill de Blasio’s decision last week to block three charter schools from co-locating in public school space.
Both the governor and charter school parents spoke out against that, saying the schools are in the best interest of many city children and parents deserve a choice.
“Education is not about the districts, and not about the pensions, and not about the unions, and not about the lobbyists, and not about the PR firms. Education is about the students and the students come first,” Cuomo said.
“It’s my kid. I’ve got the right to choose what I want for his future. So, this is the beginning of the fight,” said one charter school parent.
Democratic lawmakers in Albany who are closely aligned with de Blasio’s education policy say they are against co-locations, but are reluctant to speak out against charter schools in general.
Among those in attendance at the rally Tuesday were more than 2,500 kids and parents associated with Success Academy, a charter school network run by former City Council member and de Blasio rival Eva Moskowitz.
“We’re providing lessons that are occurring on the bus on civics and how government works and how today a field study in the sense of them being able to learn more about civil rights and how government works and what they could do as United States citizens,” said Success Academy Charter Schools Principal William Loskoch.
“Charter schools are changing public education in this country and to be threatened by an outside force or politics to tell us that we can’t teach our kids at a high level, and they can’t learn at a high level is unacceptable. So while it is unfortunate that we have to miss a day of education for our kids, it’s important for them to learn to stand up for what is right, and we are on the side of right,” said Harlem 4 Teacher Jennifer Loving.
Meanwhile, just a few blocks away, Mayor Bill de Blasio stirred up support for his plan to expand universal pre-kindergarten in the city.
De Blasio is calling on state lawmakers to approve a tax hike on New Yorkers making more than $ 500,000 a year to pay for the program but is facing an uphill battle.
Governor Cuomo is opposed to the increase, and has offered to fund the programs with existing state revenues.
City officials say state funding is not reliable and could always be taken away.
De Blasio promised an enthusiastic crowd that they would win the debate.
“We know the facts. The facts are on our side. The people are on our side. Now we have to get Albany on our side,” De Blasio said.
“This is the year the people’s voice is gonna ring loud. This is the year we’re gonna convince albany no more waiting. No more delays. No more watering down we need for our children now.”
De Blasio is meeting with state legislators this afternoon.
He is also scheduled to have a conversation with Governor Cuomo about his pre-k proposal.
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