Bill > S05987

This bill prohibits the establishment of new charter schools, or the revision of existing charter schools, within the Hempstead, Uniondale, and Roosevelt union free school districts, as well as within a five-mile radius of these districts. The legislation aims to address the fiscal challenges faced by these school districts due to the proliferation of charter schools. According to the bill's legislative intent, these districts currently experience significant financial strain, with charter schools drawing substantial funding away from public school budgets. For instance, in the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately $115 million was allocated to charter schools from these three districts, and charter school attendance ranges from 13% to 34% in these areas. The bill specifically prevents any new charter school applications from being approved, prohibits the reissuance of surrendered or revoked charters, and blocks any expansions of existing charter schools in terms of student numbers, grade levels, or facilities within the specified geographic area. The bill is designed to provide fiscal relief to these school districts by effectively creating a moratorium on charter school growth in the region, with the goal of protecting the financial stability and programmatic offerings of the public school systems.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5987