Cuomo Unveils 25-Point Education Plan
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced a 25-point education plan on Tuesday. This initiative seems to bring back certain policies favored by the New York Teachers Union while appearing to reduce support for charter schools that some labor groups criticize.
Cuomo’s campaign for New York City mayor didn’t specifically mention charter schools in its announcement, focusing instead on publicly managed alternatives that have considerable backing. Notably, these alternatives face strong opposition from the United Federation of Teachers and its leader, Mike Mulgleu.
In this new education strategy, Cuomo emphasized the importance of diverse school models, specifically pointing to specialized high schools and public institutions that deliver strong results, particularly for underrepresented student populations. “These schools should be supported and expanded, not politicized,” he stated.
Cuomo also remarked that “access to excellence should be made available to all neighborhoods.” However, his current stance appears less aggressive compared to his earlier days as governor, where he actively promoted charter schools and called himself a “student lobbyist.”
During de Blasio’s tenure, Cuomo had urged the leasing of charter school spaces in private facilities when public options were not available.
A political insider commented, “Cuomo is clearly aligning himself with the teachers’ union.” His educational proposals include various initiatives favored by the UFT, like more early childhood programs and community schools that provide comprehensive health services.
Furthermore, he implemented laws aiming to reduce class sizes, which were supported by the UFT, alongside necessary state funding.
The Cuomo campaign has not clarified if he intends to support the removal of limits on charter school openings, a stance he previously advocated as governor. In a recent podcast, he addressed “school choice,” remarking on the need to focus on improving the existing public school system.
In an editorial meeting, fellow mayoral candidates Brad Lander and Jessica Ramos opposed increasing the charter cap, while Scott Stringer remained non-committal on the issue. Investor Whitney Tilson stands out as the only Democratic candidate pledging to lift the city’s restrictions on new charter schools.
Charter school proponents hope Cuomo continues his support. “At least he has a strong history backing charters, which is encouraging,” said Raymond Ribera, founder of Bronx Family Life Academy Charter Schools Network.
While speaking at a UFT Mayor’s Forum last weekend, Cuomo promised to support the abolition of the controversial Tier 6 Pension Act, which he had signed into law in 2012. The UFT has yet to comment on Cuomo’s educational platform.
