The fortunes of thousands of school kids have been lifted by New York City's charter schools, leading Gov. Hochul to push for the revival of some zombie licenses and the creation of more new charters.
A recent report by The Post reveals the success city charter schools have had by analyzing data and speaking with those most closely involved in the system. However, some supporters believe that opposition to more charters is racist, including former Gov. Pataki.
Proponents argue that the data shows that black charter school students in New York City significantly outperform their public school counterparts, leading to claims that the battle to hold back charters is racist.
Supporters argue that charters provide families of color with more educational choices, while many progressive lawmakers and politically powerful teachers' unions complain that these schools siphon off resources from the public education system.
Former Gov. David Paterson, who helped increase the number of charters in New York in 2010, states, "The charter schools took the kids that people said couldn't learn. These kids are getting scholarships and going to college."
Meanwhile, Republican former Gov. Pataki responds to the question by the Post of whether it is racist not to increase the number of charters with a resounding, "Absolutely!"
He continues to explain that "it is hypocritical of leftist Democrats to talk about income inequality and then prevent minority parents the opportunity to enroll their kids
in a charter school."
Other prominent figures, including Ruben Diaz Sr., a Democratic former councilman and state senator who now heads the Bronx-based Hispanic Clergy Association, also support charter schools, saying that "stopping charter schools is against the benefit of black and Hispanic children."
Earlier this month, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed expanding charter numbers, allowing up to 85 more new charter schools that are private and funded by the public. NYC is leading the country with 275 charter schools.
Many Democrats in the state legislature, however, are opposed to increasing the number of charters, as they rely on political donations from anti-charter teachers unions. Some lawmakers have even argued that charter schools drain resources from public schools.
Many students and parents of color feel that charter schools provide better resources and opportunities for education, especially in communities where public schools struggle to meet their needs.
Charter schools in New York are funded by taxpayers but governed by not-for-profit boards of trustees, which have the freedom to establish their policies and design their curriculums without oversight from the local Department of Education.
Charters are held accountable through a five-year performance contract with the state focusing on student achievement. Low-performing schools are closed by state officials if they do not meet performance thresholds after that period.
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