Charter School Leaders Criticize State Education Officials Over Growth Restrictions

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

Fourteen leaders of SUNY-authorized charter schools sent a letter to New York’s education chief criticizing the state education department and Board of Regents for obstructing the expansion of successful charter schools. This dispute highlights ongoing conflicts between state oversight bodies and complicates efforts to grow charter schools serving underserved students.

Leaders of New York’s charter schools have expressed strong concerns over what they describe as state-imposed limitations on the growth of publicly funded alternative schools. In a letter sent Monday to state education chief Betty Rosa, fourteen charter school executives criticized the state education department and the Board of Regents for actions they say hinder the expansion of charter schools approved by the State University of New York (SUNY).

The group’s letter contends that SUNY-authorized charter schools have demonstrated considerable success, particularly in serving students from underserved communities, and that this success has provoked opposition from teachers’ unions and other critics. “Unfortunately, SUNY’s success has made it a target,” the letter states, accusing opponents of charter schools of attempting to curb their development despite strong academic outcomes.

Under New York law, both SUNY and the Board of Regents possess the authority to approve new charter schools. However, a regulatory anomaly means that the Board of Regents conducts reviews of charter applications that have already been approved by SUNY’s Board of Trustees and its Charter Schools Institute, which tends to have a more favorable stance toward charter schools. The charter leaders argue that the Board of Regents often rejects these SUNY-approved applications, effectively blocking expansion efforts.

The letter reflects ongoing tensions between different state education oversight bodies and highlights the complexities of charter school authorization processes in New York. While SUNY has played a prominent role in approving new charter schools, the Board of Regents exercises significant influence by reviewing and potentially overturning those approvals, creating challenges for charter growth advocates.

State education officials have yet to respond publicly to the letter. The debate underscores broader divisions over the role of charter schools within New York’s public education system and raises questions about how best to balance regulatory oversight with efforts to expand educational options in underserved communities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.