Charter schools put pressure on APS

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - This week charter schools in Albuquerque held a recrutment fair.   The schools offer an alternative to a traditional public education with a focus on everything from the military to the film industry.

The charter school movement began in Albuquerque about a decade ago.  There are now 11,000 students attending the 55 charter schools in Albuquerque.

Michael Vigil, the head of the New Mexico Coalition for Charter Schools, says the schools are providing an education that wasn't available to students in the past.

"I would say throughout the state there are going to be more, including APS," Vigil said. 

But every student that bails on the Albuquerque Public Schools district to attend a charter school takes about $8,000 in funding with him or her.  APS school board president Paula Maes says the district is supportive of the charter schools but also is taking a financial hit. 

"What APS is concerned--and I think state is concerned as well--is the growth of the charter schools," Maes said. 

Maes says she hopes everyone will take a breather and look at what is and isn't working before opening any more schools. 

Througout New Mexico, 16,000 students attend charter schools.