A recent survey reveals that Zoran Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist councillor from Queens, plans to take a strong stance against charter schools if he becomes mayor.
Mamdani expressed his commitment to oppose the expansion of charter schools that serve primarily minority and working-class students, particularly those sharing facilities with city-owned buildings.
“I’m against the state’s push to grow charter schools in New York City,” he stated during a preliminary poll in Staten Island ahead of the Democratic primary on June 24th.
His opposition aligns with the United Union Alliance, which supported him in the November elections after he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, among others.
However, some parents and operators of charter schools feel that Mamdani’s stance deviates from a more inclusive approach to education.
“I’m not sure why he’s so hostile toward charter schools. I believe he’s misinformed,” remarked Mama Arlene Rosado, whose son Mano attends Nuacin Next Generation K-12 Charter School in the Bronx.
Rosado chose this charter school after her son faced bullying in a traditional public school, stating it has created a safer environment for him.
“Charter schools provide support for our community. It’s important to keep options available. We shouldn’t eliminate choices,” she told the Post.
Pastor Raymond Ribera, who founded the Bronx Family Life Academy Charter School Network, pointed out that if Mamdani truly cares about children of color, he should support charter schools.
“Ninety-five percent of our charter school students are students of color,” he said. “Parents should have choices.”
In the same Staten Island survey, Mamdani mentioned plans to audit charter schools located in city-owned buildings, suggesting there might be overspending of public funds involved.
“I’m also against charter school facilities within Department of Education buildings, but my administration will thoroughly review charter funding to enhance the diversity of our system,” he noted in the survey.
“As we navigate this situation, matched funds, turbochargers, and foundation aid will all be considered in this audit,” Mamdani argued.
This perspective on charter schools is just one aspect of his broader education policy, which notably includes plans to relinquish mayoral control over the city’s extensive school system.
Supporters of charter schools have criticized Mamdani, referring to him as an adversary during his time in the state legislature rather than an ally.
“He’s made it clear he doesn’t support charter schools or the families that choose them. Yet, he’s now saying he’ll be the mayor for all New Yorkers,” remarked Merriman, who expressed a desire to engage with Mamdani’s team to clarify what he sees as misinformation regarding charter schools.
Arthur Samuels, executive director of the Academy of Mathematics, Engineering and Science (MESA) Charter High School, argued that charter schools fulfill Mamdani’s affordable education initiative, as they cater to families who struggle with private tuition costs.
“Offering choices empowers these families,” said Samuels, who is set to open a new MESA Charter School in Dyker Heights this fall.
New York City is home to 286 charter schools, enrolling around 150,000 students, or approximately 15 percent of public school students.
Data shows that charter school students generally perform better than their traditional counterparts on state English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics tests. Charters tend to offer longer school days and a different staffing model, typically non-union.
Last year, 58.2% of charter students were proficient in the ELA test, outpacing traditional district students by 9.1%. In math, 66.3% of charter students passed, compared to 53.4% among traditional public school students, a nearly 13% point difference.
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio attempted to reform the charter school system, but state legislation during Andrew Cuomo’s governorship compelled the city to either allocate space for charters or cover their rent in private facilities.
The current Democratic leadership on the City Council remains opposed to expanding charter schools.
