A group has proposed to open a charter school for 400 students in New Rochelle, claiming it will address the “failures” of the New Rochelle public schools.  What is a charter school, and how will it affect public education in New Rochelle?  Here is some basic information, drawn largely from the website of the New Rochelle City School District.

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a secular, tuition-free public school that operates independently through an individual agreement with the state. Charter schools have more flexibility than traditional public schools because they are not subject to the same New York State Education Department regulations and standards that public schools are.

Who approves a charter school?

A charter school must be approved by either the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Board of Regents or the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees. 

How is a charter school funded?

Charter schools are funded by diverting funds from the public school system.   For every New Rochelle student who transfers from a public school to a charter school, the city school district would lose about $18,600, which would be transferred to the charter school along with the student.  For students with special educational needs, the fund transfer is greater.  If a charter school in New Rochelle enrolled 400 students, the City School District of New Rochelle would lose approximately $7.5 million in state funding per year.

How would the New Rochelle public schools make up funding lost to a charter school?

If a charter school diverted public school funding away from the New Rochelle public schools, the school district might have to cut staff positions, sports teams, science research, or performing arts, or increase taxes.

How does a charter school enroll students?

Charter school students are required to select students by lottery if they receive more applications than they have spots in their classes. Charter schools often implement strategies both before and after application to enroll top students, thus denying access to all students. It is common for charter schools to enroll students in special education with the mildest needs, which enables the charter to receive a higher rate of funding but leaves traditional public schools to serve the children with the greatest needs.

How are charter school boards of trustees chosen?

Unlike public schools, the trustees of charter schools are not elected by the taxpayers.  Charter schools are not required to reveal who is on their boards or how they are selected. Their meetings are not required to be held in public. The lack of oversight and transparency has opened the door for fraud, corruption, and mistreatment of charter school students and staff.

Do charter schools provide better education than public schools?

Charter schools are not subject to the same high standards that the New York State Education Department requires of public schools.  For example, all public school teachers are certified by the state and have a high level of professional development. Charter schools may employ teachers who are not New York State certified.  Charter schools tend to attract less experienced teachers and have much higher teacher turnover rates than traditional public schools, reducing the quality of education.  Because, unlike public schools, charter schools are able to select which students they enroll, it is difficult to compare the quality of education in public and charter schools.

More detailed information on charter schools is available on the New Rochelle City School District website.