MAKE ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
IN ALBANY CHARTER SCHOOLS?

The State Senate passed legislation raising
the cap on charter schools. The Assembly
appears likely to block this bill because
the powerful teachers unions give lots of
money to Assembly candidates.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/education/2010/05/04/2010-05-04_assembly_gets_bill_to_aid_charters.html

The Albany City School District/Board
has approved a budget larger than last
year and a 4 per cent property tax
increase.

Remember the Comptroller's December
2009 Audit which found significant waste
in the Albany City Schools?

What about the 50 percent, dropout rate?

Students, their parents and city homeowners
and businesses , who pay ever increasing property
tax increases ,are not getting a sound return on
their investment.

Perhaps, time has come to make all city schools
charter schools? Offer all high paid senior
teachers and administrators an early retirement
deal. Enact a residency requirement that all
new teacher hires live in the City of Albany.
Return to K-8 neighborhood schools. Eliminate
wasteful busing expenses. Merge city schools
with city government. Create one property tax
roll to finance both. Make the Mayor and Common
Council accountable/responsible for operation
and performance of city schools.

Making all city schools charter schools will
permit curriculum changes to tailor urban
education to turnout responsible, productive
citizens who contribute to society and improve
their station in life.

Put these questions on the May 18 school
budget ballot. Let's see how the property
taxpayers, parents and students respond.

Are any Assembly incumbents or challengers
bold enough to embrace the above changes
and push for the necessary amendments to
state law?

Joe Sullivan