NYC Charter School Funding Rally: Thousands Demand Fair Funding
<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/2025/09/18/7c568eb9-9427-4c97-8fc7-66e5697ddbc8/charter-school-support-wcbsf4sb-hi-res-still.jpg" alt="Protesters marching across the Brooklyn Bridge">Thousands of parents, students, and educators rallied in Brooklyn, marching across the Brooklyn Bridge to demand increased and equitable funding for New York City's charter schools. The demonstration, which started at Cadman Plaza, saw representatives from over 200 charter schools participate.
Key Demands:
Organizers highlighted that charter schools educate a significant portion of NYC students (1 in 6), with these students showing a five-times higher college attendance rate than the national average. Despite this success, charter schools receive significantly less funding and face unequal access to school buildings compared to district schools. The disparity is estimated at $12,000 less per student.
<img src="https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/09/18/7c6030b7-72c5-40be-8c43-b3659275747e/thumbnail/640x360/e56fd895cb7e5d4ca0eb164164af004d/charter-school-support-wcbsf4sb-hi-res-still-00-00-4410.jpg" alt="Rally at Cadman Plaza">Voices from the Rally:
Leslie Bernard Joseph of KIPP NYC emphasized the funding gap, stating that the lower funding per student significantly impacts the quality of education. Parent Kimberly Pena shared her positive experience, highlighting the improved academics, dedicated teachers, and extra-curricular opportunities provided by charter schools.
Counterarguments:
However, some critics denounced the rally, arguing it prioritizes political gains over students' education.
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