We applaud the New York State Board of Regents and the State Education Department for declining to approve the proposed charter school applications in Brentwood and Central Islip.

At a time when these districts are working to strengthen their public schools, approving new charter schools would have meant diverting resources away from the very students who need them most.

Public schools are the heart of our communities. They serve every child, no matter their background or needs. The Regents’ decision recognizes that state law for new charter schools requires findings of community support and likely educational benefit, and that approving applications without clear evidence of these elements only undermines our mission to New York’s students.

It sends a clear message: Education department leaders are committed to strengthening public education, not weakening it.”

Melinda Person
President, New York State United Teachers
Latham, NY