Governor David Paterson’s efforts to balance the state budget prompted a funding freeze for New York charter schools. Western New York Charter Schools lost $17million dollars last year and that amount is expected to jump to $24million next year. YNN’s Nicki Mayo reports local charter school advocates are asking the governor to thaw the funding freeze.

BUFFALO, N.Y.--- “We talk about the children are our future, but we’re not going to support them as far as funding,” said Niagara Charter School grandparent Michael Coles. The concerned parents addressed a packed room of charter school supporters at the Oracle Charter School Friday morning.

Dozens of Niagara and Oracle Charter school parents and teachers say they are fed up with the governor’s funding freeze to their children’s schools.

“The powers that be make money of kids being in certain places. So they want to leave to leave kids where they are. They got kids struggling,” said Oracle Charter School Parent Phil Lomax.

“I looked around and I just did not like what was being offered in Buffalo Public School System in high schools,” said Oracle Charter School Parent George Kimble. “So we looked into charter schools and I’m glad we did,” Kimble added.

Kimble said he’s not happy with plans to freeze funding for charter school students for the second year in a row.

Niagara Charter School lost $369,000 dollars during the 2009-2010 school year while Buffalo charter schools took an $11million dollar hit.

Next year Western New York charter schools could lose $24million dollars. Area advocates are asking Albany lawmakers to help.

“I’m sick and tired of the status quo when it comes to education in this town,” said Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.

The funding freeze is feeling more like a cut at charter schools across New York. The Oracle Charter School had to lay off three support staffers just to stay in their budget last year.

“If the freeze continues for next year with all of our other costs continuing to go up, we may need to reduce or lay off additional staff,” said Oracle

Oracle School officials say less staff may soon be felt in the
classroom where they’re students learn in small classes.

“I wouldn’t be supporting their request for equity, if they weren’t performing,” added Assemblyman Hoyt said.

“I take pre-calculus. I got a 100 on my test yesterday. I have a 97 so far in pre-calculus which is the highest in the class,” said Oracle Charter School Junior Talvin Hokes.

Whole students like Hokes are focusing on their studies, their parents and teachers are urging lawmakers to leave charter schools alone as they balance the state’s books.

“If we’re going to make a difference, let us make a decision and stop this freeze,” Coles added.