N.Y. Fails to Agree on Charter Schools for Grant

Albany, N.Y.

Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders failed Tuesday to reach a compromise on expanding charter schools by a federal deadline, with millions of dollars in education funding at stake.

Paterson and top lawmakers met again after the governor's special session Monday night failed to produce a change in the charter school law. Paterson said a cap of 454 school charters was needed to help New York secure $700 million in Obama administration Race to the Top funding to improve education.

The state currently has 169 charter schools, with only six charters available for new ones. The current cap is 200, but charters can't be used again...