NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement:
“Diamond Charter School’s request is a bait and switch that would unfairly drain resources from two public school districts because the charter failed to secure a location.
Charter schools already strain the Hempstead Union Free School District’s budget, pulling critical funding away from neighborhood public schools. Now, Diamond is seeking approval to operate for two years outside its authorized district, shifting costs and disruption onto the West Hempstead Union Free School District as well.
Busing students out of district while a charter ‘figures out where to set up shop’ is not accountability; it’s poor planning with real consequences for students and taxpayers. NYSUT urges SUNY Charter Schools Committee to reject this proposal and encourages parents, educators, and community members to make their voices heard.”
Read the revision proposal.
A public hearing is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at A.B.G.S. Middle School Bandbox in Hempstead.