May 18, 2013
Charter schools are cringing at the budget prospects to they're in the same boat as other public schools when it comes to per student funding, but, when it comes to paying the rent, they claim, they're in big trouble.
Tallahassee's School of Arts and Sciences is known for its creative curriculum music, art, even gardening. But digging up the $50,000 it needs to pay its mortgage is suddenly a tall order.
As more and more charter schools open statewide this school has seen its so-called capital-funding cut by more than $60,000.
That's money it needs to pay its mortgage, buy desks and chairs, and replace this leaky roof.
At the Steele Collins Charter School a few miles away, they're sweating the budget too.
The school pays tens of thousands of dollars in rent for its main building and three portables.
Steele-Collins is hoping to build a new school within five years, but a cut in capital funds this year could put those plans on hold.
Charter schools are planning a rally at the state capitol Wednesday to try to convince lawmakers to restore their funding.
