We had no technology. We didn't have maps, globes, books, paper,'' she said. Educators, parents and community members in New York who want to start a charter school will find themselves in a similar but somewhat improved situation. Starting a charter school has gotten a bit easier in the past few years as the federal government and some states set aside money for that purpose. But it remains a major undertaking.
Costs can vary greatly depending on the size of the school, where it's located and other factors.
The gap between available government funding and expenses can be huge. But the state Legislature still needs to make the funding part of its 1999-2000 budget, and state officials must decide how to divvy it up. In Rochester, a coalition of local business, education and community leaders hopes to make starting a charter school here easier. The group, led by the Gleason Foundation and the Center for Governmental Research, would like to provide technical help and funding to get as many charter schools opened as possible. It's not going to happen if you only have one or two charter schools,'' said Patricia Malgieri, the center's president.