Governor Andrew M. Cuomo (D-NY) came out in support of charter schools at an Albany-rally yesterday. The governor addressed more than 11,000 charter school supporters amid frigid temperatures.
“They say it’s cold out here, but I don’t feel cold, I feel hot! I feel fired up! We are going to save charter schools and you’re making it happen by being here today!” Cuomo said in his speech to the crowd.
Gov. Cuomo made clear his support of charter schools and support of innovative approaches to education. “We know that too many public schools are failing. Over 200 failing schools—6% grade level for reading, 5% grade level for math. We need new ideas. Einstein said insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again and expecting a different result,” he said.
Charter schools are public schools that operate through an independent contract with the state or local board. The schools are free and have to meet certain benchmarks each year to have their charters renewed.
Cuomo came out in support of charter schools in the wake of New York mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration withdrawal of agreements that would have allowed three charter schools to operate in public school buildings.
"I am committed to ensuring charter schools have the financial capacity, the physical space, and the government support to thrive and to grow,” Cuomo said.
You can find a full transcript of the speech here: http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/03042014-charter-school-rally
