NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement in response to approval from SUNY’s Charter Schools Committee for new charter schools on Long Island:
“It’s outrageous that new charter schools have been approved in Brentwood and Central Islip — communities that have made their opposition crystal clear. The law requires charter applicants to demonstrate community support. Instead, we’ve seen the exact opposite: overwhelming and united opposition from families, educators and community leaders.
And this isn’t the first time. SUNY’s Charter Schools Committee has a pattern of ignoring local voices and rubber-stamping applications over the objections of the very communities these schools would impact. It’s a troubling disregard for public accountability.
These are districts where public schools are making real progress — where state investment, dedicated educators, and community partnerships are helping students thrive. These charter approvals are a betrayal of that progress and of the people working every day to sustain it.”