{"id":17401,"date":"2026-04-03T09:29:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:29:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cbmanhattan.cityofnewyork.us\/cb12\/?p=17401"},"modified":"2026-04-03T09:37:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T13:37:16","slug":"cb12m-holds-public-hearing-on-charter-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cbmanhattan.cityofnewyork.us\/cb12\/cb12m-holds-public-hearing-on-charter-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"CB12M Holds Public Hearing on Charter Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"

April 3, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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Johanna Garcia, Chief of Staff for Senator Robert Jackson, speaks. Representing CB12M at the table from left to right: Diogenes Montano, Tanesha Grant, Anthony Viola, and Jumirna Alcober.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

On March 31, Community Board 12-Manhattan (CB12M) held its first public hearing of 2026 focused on charter schools in the district. The hearing comes at a time when 11 charter schools are operating in Washington Heights and Inwood.<\/p>\n

The hearing was hosted by the Youth & Education Committee, chaired by Second Vice Chair Tanesha Grant. Its purpose was to gather community perspectives on the current charter school landscape\u2014highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was great to see so many community members attend and participate,\u201d said Grant. \u201cWe look forward to continuing to support our school families in both charter and traditional public schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Board also invited representatives from local elected officials to provide remarks. Johanna Garcia, Chief of Staff to Senator Robert Jackson, addressed attendees, along with a representative from Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

More than 100 community members attended the hearing, with many offering public testimony throughout the session. Opinions were mixed: some speakers expressed strong support for charter schools, while others emphasized the need for increased funding and resources for traditional public schools.<\/p>\n

Stephen De Jesus, a CB12M member serving on the Youth & Education Committee, expressed appreciation for the strong turnout. \u201cI was encouraged to see dozens of community members, whether parents, students, teachers, and school staff, engaged in a productive dialogue about charter schools in our district,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Many speakers shared personal experiences in support of the charter schools their children attend, with much of the commentary centered on a single school.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough there are 17 charter schools in [Community School District 6], the pro-charter public commentary was largely dominated by anecdotal praise from just one school,\u201d noted Al Kurland, a Public Member of the Youth & Education Committee. \u201cWhile such perspectives are valuable, they are not a substitute for broader discussions about policy implementation, funding concerns, or the diversion of resources that can negatively impact traditional public schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

CB12M plans to continue discussions on charter schools throughout the year during Youth & Education Committee meetings and potentially through additional public hearings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is just the beginning,\u201d De Jesus added. \u201cI look forward to continuing these conversations and taking action to ensure all youth have access to high-quality education.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Community members attend CB12M’s public hearing on charter schools.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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About Community Board 12-Manhattan<\/b><\/p>\n

CB12M is a local agency of the New York City government, serving the neighborhoods of Washington Heights and Inwood. CB12M consists of up to 50 volunteer members with connections in the district. Made up of committees carrying out its work, CB12M addresses issues including affordable housing, education, small business needs, and public safety, to name a few. CB12M is one of 59 community boards that advocate on behalf of the people of New York City.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

April 3, 2026 On March 31, Community Board 12-Manhattan (CB12M) held its first public hearing of 2026 focused on charter schools in the district. The hearing comes at a time<\/p>\n

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