Community leaders rally against controversial charter school proposal

In a recent government meeting, community leaders voiced strong opposition to the proposed Capital Prep Charter School in New Rochelle, which is seeking approval from the SUNY Charters Institute. The discussions highlighted significant concerns regarding the charter school's impact on the local school district, financial implications, and community cohesion.

A prominent speaker, representing the New Rochelle Board of Education, articulated three main objections to the charter school: a lack of familiarity with the New Rochelle community by the charter's leadership, potential financial repercussions for the existing school district, and the divisive nature of the proposal. The speaker emphasized that the charter school is governed by an unelected board with minimal ties to the city, raising questions about their commitment to local educational needs.

Financially, the speaker warned that the charter school could drain approximately $2.8 million from the New Rochelle school district in its first year, escalating to $12.5 million by year five. This funding loss could lead to cuts in essential programs, including science, arts, and sports, which are vital for the holistic development of students in the district.

Concerns were also raised about the charter school's proposed location at the New York Covenant Church on Main Street, which is already plagued by traffic issues. The speaker pointed out that the charter school lacks a permanent location after its first year, further complicating its establishment.

Mark McLean, a community leader and president of the local NAACP, echoed the opposition, emphasizing the strong community sentiment against the charter school. He highlighted the importance of maintaining unity in a community that has worked hard to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The meeting underscored a collective call for the SUNY Charters Institute to reject the charter school's application, with community leaders advocating for the preservation of resources and support for the existing public school system in New Rochelle.