Amani Public Charter School proposes K-4 expansion amid Mount Vernon enrollment challenges

Amani Public Charter School is poised for a significant expansion, seeking to extend its grade offerings from grades 5-8 to include kindergarten through grade 4 by the 2025-2026 school year. This proposed change aims to increase the school's enrollment capacity from 355 to 554 students, a move that has sparked a heated discussion within the Mount Vernon community.

During a public hearing held on February 4, 2025, various stakeholders voiced their opinions on the expansion. Jose Formoso, assistant superintendent for the Mount Vernon City School District, expressed concerns about the impact of charter schools on traditional public schools, particularly in light of the district's declining enrollment and increasing student needs. He highlighted that the district has seen a nearly 20% drop in student enrollment over the past nine years, alongside a significant rise in special education costs. Formoso argued that the focus should be on maximizing resources for the existing public schools rather than diverting funds to charter schools.

In contrast, supporters of Amani's expansion, including Board Chair Max Smith and founder Charlie Stern, emphasized the potential benefits of the initiative. They argued that expanding Amani would provide more educational options for families in Mount Vernon and help address the challenges faced by the district. Smith noted that Amani has a strong track record of academic success and that the expansion could raise educational standards across the district. Stern added that the expansion would allow Amani to offer a consistent, high-quality education from kindergarten through middle school, ensuring students receive a solid academic foundation.

The discussions highlighted a broader debate about educational choices in Mount Vernon, with proponents of the expansion advocating for increased options for parents and students, while opponents raised concerns about the potential strain on public school resources. As the community grapples with these issues, the outcome of Amani's expansion proposal will have lasting implications for the educational landscape in Mount Vernon. The decision is expected to be made in the coming months, as stakeholders continue to weigh the benefits and challenges of this significant change.