NYSUT President Melinda Person has responded to the recent approval by SUNY’s Charter Schools Committee for new charter schools in Brentwood and Central Islip. In her statement, Person criticized the decision, citing strong opposition from local communities.
“It’s outrageous that new charter schools have been approved in Brentwood and Central Islip — communities that have made their opposition crystal clear. The law requires charter applicants to demonstrate community support. Instead, we’ve seen the exact opposite: overwhelming and united opposition from families, educators and community leaders.
And this isn’t the first time. SUNY’s Charter Schools Committee has a pattern of ignoring local voices and rubber-stamping applications over the objections of the very communities these schools would impact. It’s a troubling disregard for public accountability.
These are districts where public schools are making real progress — where state investment, dedicated educators, and community partnerships are helping students thrive. These charter approvals are a betrayal of that progress and of the people working every day to sustain it.”
The approval comes despite local resistance and concerns about how new charter schools might affect existing public schools in Brentwood and Central Islip. Community members, educators, and leaders have voiced their disapproval, arguing that public schools in these districts have been improving with support from state funding and local partnerships.
