Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin rapped Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul for waffling on her support for charter schools when pressed by The Post, saying he would make expansion of the popular alternative schools a top priority.
“Why I’m running for governor against Kathy Hochul reason 6,342: She won’t lift the cap on charter schools because she’s bought off by the teachers union,” Zeldon, the presumptive GOP nominee, said in a tweet that linked to a Post story on Hochul’s lukewarm stand.
“I support lifting the cap, because students stuck in multi-generational poverty deserve opportunity, school choice & success.”
There are currently 272 charter schools operating in the city. But there are 11 proposed charter schools on a waiting list than can’t open because the cap has been reached.
The New York State United Teachers’ union endorsed Hochul for a full term as governor on January 21.
Hochul, during a Post editorial board meeting last week, said of the cap, “I know how important this is. I truly do. I’ve heard from a lot of leaders. I’ve spoken to the leaders of many charter schools. And I know what they do is important but I also recognize there has to be a desire from the legislature to accomplish this as well.”
Over 4000 parents and students rally for Success Academy at Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, Queens on Sept. 26, 2019. Dennis A. Clark
New York City has 272 charter schools. Stefan Jeremiah
Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed funding millions more for charter schools. Don Polllard
A young child holds a “Don’t Block Success” sign during a rally for Success Academy in Jamaica, Queens on Sept. 26, 2019. Dennis A. Clark
The Success Academy rally was held at the Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, NY. Dennis A. ClarkAnother GOP gubernatorial hopeful, Andrew Giuliani, also weighed in.
“PARENTS must be the primary stakeholder in their Child’s EDUCATION. As Governor, I pledge to increase the arbitrary CHARTER SCHOOL cap from 460 to over 1,000 and I will implement a SCHOOL VOUCHER program so parents can have Maximum CHOICE!,” Giuliani tweeted.
The education platform of a third GOP candidate for governor, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, also calls for lifting the charter school cap “so every student that wishes to attend one will get a seat and not a spot on a waiting list.”
Rep. Lee Zeldin blasted Gov. Kathy Hochul for being hesitant on lifting New York City’s charter school cap. AP
Rep. Lee Zeldin argues students “deserve opportunity, school choice & success.” Twitter
Brooklyn Prospect Charter School in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Stefan Jeremiah
Public school enrollment has dipped significantly in the Big Apple since 2020. Richard Harbus
The Lighthouse Charter school in the Bronx. Richard HarbusA Hochul spokesperson has brushed off the criticism from critics. The governor did proposed boosting funding for charter schools in her $216 billion executive budget plan.
“Governor Hochul is committed to ensuring quality education for all, has proposed bold investments to support schools across the state, and is always motivated first and foremost by what is best for students,” said Hochul spokeswoman Hazel Crampton-Hays.
