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Lynbrook board adopts resolution urging state to require local voter approval for new charter schools
Summary
The Lynbrook board unanimously adopted Resolution 2602G1 asking state legislators to seek laws requiring local voter approval before charter school applications proceed to state authorizers, citing concerns about funding diversion and local oversight.
The Lynbrook Union Free School District Board of Education voted to adopt Resolution 2602G1 asking state lawmakers to pursue legislation that would require local voter approval before charter-school applications are submitted to the state authorizing entity.
Board members who supported the resolution framed it as a measured request for increased local control rather than an endorsement or opposition to charter schools. The text read by the board argued that charter schools receive public funds while their budgets are not overseen by locally elected school boards and that the practice can "divert public funds" from resident districts.
During discussion, trustees raised specific concerns about fiscal impacts and accountability. One board discussion point noted that a district’s per-pupil allocation can follow a student who attends a charter school for only part of a year, leaving the home district without that funding for the school year. Board members also cited discipline and oversight challenges and said the resolution aims to return a decision to communities through voter approval.
The motion to adopt Resolution 2602G1 was moved by Mr. Lunar, seconded by Mr. Cullen, and approved by voice vote. Board members agreed the resolution’s language asks local legislators to advocate for a change in the state process; it does not itself change district policy or create a new local law.
Next steps: the board will transmit the adopted resolution to local legislators as part of the district’s advocacy efforts. The resolution text and a request to state officials were accepted at the meeting; the transcript did not specify whether the district will seek additional supporting materials or a formal legislative sponsor beyond the board’s motion to forward the text.
The board also reminded the public that statewide or regional discussions about charter authorization remain under state jurisdiction; any legislative change would be decided in Albany.
