Public hearing on Amani Public Charter School expansion draws mixed testimony in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon — On Feb. 4, 2025, supporters and opponents spoke at a public hearing on Amani Public Charter School’s proposal to expand from its current grades 5–8 to include kindergarten through fourth grade and to increase authorized enrollment. The hearing was held as part of the state review process for charter expansions.

The proposal drew sharply contrasting testimony. Jose Formoso, assistant superintendent for business for the Mount Vernon City School District, said the district is contending with long‑term enrollment decline and rising special‑education costs and warned that an expansion would divert public funds from district schools. “Charter schools are funded with public money, which means fewer resources for traditional public schools,” Formoso said, citing the district’s drop from about 8,190 students in 2014 to…