The Hempstead School District on Long Island intends to close an elementary school and cut jobs in response to a staggering $34 million budget shortfall, largely attributed to the increasing number of students opting for charter schools. District officials have urged New York Governor Kathy Hochul for state intervention to address the financial strain, which has led to a significant tuition bill for charter schools. While the state plans to increase funding, district representatives contend that these funds are insufficient to offset the rising costs associated with charter school tuition.
They're right, the state did give us an increase in aid, but it is all eaten up by charter payments, so what are we supposed to do?
Without financial relief, our students will suffer, said Victor Pratt, Hempstead's school board president, highlighting the urgent need for state intervention.
The overall $106 million figure for Hempstead charter students is $20 million more than this past year and nearly double what the district shelled out the year before.
Hempstead is already set to receive $247 million in state funds next year, but the district argues it is insufficient to cover rising charter costs.
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