NYC May Shift Funds to Pre-K From Charter Schools

$210 million would be shifted from charters to fund prekindergarten programs

New York City's new public schools chief wants to shift $210 million away from charter schools to pay for Mayor Bill de Blasio's planned expansion of prekindergarten programs.

Chancellor Carmen Farina announced the plan Friday.
 
The money in question had previously been set aside to increase classroom space at charter schools. But the New York Times reports that Farina plans to instead use that money and another $310 million in state funding to create space for about 2,100 students in new pre-K programs.
 
The switch illustrates a big shift in education policy between De Blasio and his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg.
 
Bloomberg was a big backer of charter schools but De Blasio is a critic. He says the city should focus on improving traditional schools, rather than replacing them with charters.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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