Yoon Proposes “Smart Caps” on Charter Schools
Calls for Increase in Funding Limits for Effective Schools

June 8, 2009

BOSTON- City Councilor-at-Large and mayoral candidate Sam Yoon will propose legislation on Wednesday that would lift the funding cap on high-performing charter schools in Boston.

“We need fresh and innovative thinking for our public schools, which is why I’m calling for ’smart caps,’” said Yoon. “We have a faltering education system, but many of our charter schools have a proven record of success in closing the achievement gap. By increasing funding for our top charter schools, we can substantially improve the quality of Boston’s public education.”

Yoon’s proposal calls for a “smart cap,” which raises the spending limits on those charter schools that have a proven, multi-year record of high achievement. The state currently limits spending on charter schools to 9% of a school district’s budget. At Wednesday’s City Council meeting, Yoon will submit a home-rule petition that calls on the state legislature to increase limits on high-performing schools to 20%.

A smart cap would allow successful charter schools to accommodate more students by expanding their campuses and hiring additional teachers. Certain schools are already inundated with more applicants than they have seats. Last year, the Edward W. Brooke Charter School in Roslindale received 1,100 student applications for only 100 openings.

Yoon said the popularity and success of some charter schools should send a message to lawmakers.

“The need for more quality choice is clear,” said Yoon. “If charter schools are successful we should allow them to replicate their success.”