Public hearing in Newburgh draws opposition to New Dawn charter over projected budget, equity concerns

A public hearing on the New Dawn Charter High School application drew sustained opposition Wednesday night at a Newburgh City School District meeting, with district staff and community members warning the charter could divert roughly $9.6 million in annual funding and exacerbate staffing and equity pressures.

The hearing is part of the application process overseen by the New York State Education Department. A district staff member presenting the district’s analysis said the charter could “take $9,600,000 off the top if they are able to reach full capacity,” and that the district would face additional transportation, special-education, textbook and technology costs if students left district schools for the charter.

The issue matters to the district now because officials and several speakers said Newburgh is preparing to open a career and technical education (CTE) building next year costing more than $75,000,000; speakers said losing students…