Report of Regents P-12 Education Committee to The Board of Regents

Regents Committee on P-12 Education
Vice Chancellor Chin, Chair, Regent Tilles, Regent Cea, Regent Norwood, Regent Cottrell, Regent Wills, Regent Ferrer, Regent Tanikawa, Regent Catania, and Regent Hale.

The P-12 Education Committee held its scheduled meeting on June 10, 2024. All members were present except for Regent James E. Cottrell who was excused. Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr., Regent Luis O. Reyes, Regent Hasoni L. Pratts, and Regent Seema Rivera also attended the meeting but did not vote on the action items.

ACTION ITEMS

Revisions to a Charter Authorized by the Board of Regents [P12 (A) 1] - Department staff presented recommendations for charter revisions. NYSED staff recommended that the Board of Regents approve charter revisions for the following charter school authorized by the Board of Regents pursuant to Article 56 of the Education Law (the NYS Charter Schools Act):

• Charter High School for Law and Social Justice New York City (NYC CSD 10) – a revision to increase the school’s grade span from grades 9 through 12 to include grades 6 through 8 and make a corresponding increase to the school’s authorized enrollment from 475 students to 745 students.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that: (1) the Charter High School for Law and Social Justice meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the charter school can demonstrate the ability to operate in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the request to amend the charter is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of Article 56 of the Education Law; and (4) granting the request to amend the charter will have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents therefore approves the charter revision for Charter High School for Law and Social Justice and amends the provisional charter accordingly.

The motion passed. Regent Shino Tanikawa voted “no.”

Renewal Recommendations for Charter Schools Authorized by the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) [P12 (A) 2] - Department and NYC DOE staff presented recommendations for charter renewals from the NYC DOE Chancellor. The NYC DOE Chancellor recommended that the Board of Regents approve charter renewals for the following charter schools authorized by the NYC DOE Chancellor pursuant to Article 56 of the Education Law (the NYS Charter Schools Act):

• Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, The Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski School (NYC CSD 7) – (Five-Year renewal);
• Riverton Street Charter School (NYC CSD 29) – (Five-Year renewal); and
• Summit Academy Charter School (NYC CSD 15) – (Two-Year renewal).

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, The Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents therefore approves the renewal application of Bronx Global Learning Institute for Girls Charter School, The Shirley Rodriguez-Remeneski School as proposed by the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Riverton Street Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Riverton Street Charter School as proposed by the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Summit Academy Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Summit Academy Charter School as proposed by the Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2026.

The motion passed unanimously.

Renewal Recommendations for Charter Schools Authorized by the Trustees of the State University of New York [P12 (A) 3] - Department staff recommended that the Board of Regents send the following proposed charters back with comments for SUNY’s reconsideration:  

• Bronx Charter School for Excellence 2 (Three-year renewal term from 2026 to 2029);
• Bronx Preparatory Charter School (Four-year renewal term from 2025 to 2029);
• Democracy Preparatory Charter School (Four-year renewal term from 2025 to 2029); and
• Harlem Prep Charter School (Three-year renewal term from 2026 to 2029).

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents return the proposed charters for Bronx Preparatory Charter School, Democracy Preparatory Charter School, Harlem Prep Charter School, and Bronx Charter School for Excellence 2 to the Trustees of the State University of New York for reconsideration, with the following comment and recommendation, “Approving the renewal of any charter school years before the expiration of the charter does not allow timely review of the school’s educational and fiscal soundness; community support; legal compliance; or means by which the school will meet or exceed enrollment and retention targets for students with disabilities, English language learners, and students who are economically disadvantaged. The charters should be abandoned, and the schools should be directed to resubmit an application no earlier than one year prior to the expiration of the charter term. While we believe SUNY’s continued practice of approving early renewals violates both the spirit and intent of the Charter Schools Act and is contrary to the established practices of every other authorizer in the state, the law, in its present form, prevents the Regents from taking action to end the practice. Over the past seven years, SUNY has repeatedly disregarded Regents’ objections on this matter.”

The motion passed unanimously.

Renewal Recommendations for Charter Schools Authorized by the Board of Regents [P12 (A) 4] – Department staff presented recommendations for charter renewals. NYSED recommended that the Board of Regents approve charter renewals for the following charter schools authorized by the Board of Regents pursuant to Article 56 of the Education Law (the NYS Charter Schools Act):

New York City Department of Education DOE Schools

Bronx (6):

• Bronx Charter School for Children - NYC CSD 7 - (Five-year renewal);
• Bronx Charter School for the Arts - NYC CSD 8 - (Five-year renewal);
• Harriet Tubman Charter School - NYC CSD 9 - (Two-year renewal with renewal conditions);
• New York City Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries - NYC CSD 7 - (Five-year renewal and (1) a revision to increase the school’s grade span from its current Grade 9 through 12 configuration to include Grades 6 through 8 and make a corresponding increase to the school’s authorized enrollment from 500 students to 875 students by year four of the renewal charter term, and (2) amend the school’s Key Design Elements);
• Rosalyn Yalow Charter School - NYC CSD 7 - (Four-year renewal);
• South Bronx Community Charter High School - NYC CSD 9 - (Five-year renewal);

Brooklyn (6):

• Brooklyn RISE Charter School - NYC CSD 15 - (Five-year renewal and (1) a revision to increase the school’s grade span from its current kindergarten through Grade 5 configuration to include Grades 6 through 8 and make a corresponding increase to the school’s authorized enrollment from 312 students to 468 students by year five of the renewal charter term; and (2) amend the school’s key design element regarding the school calendar);
• Compass Charter School - NYC CSD 13 - (Five-year renewal);
• Hellenic Classical Charter School - NYC CSD 15 - (Five-year renewal and a revision to increase the school’s authorized enrollment from 498 students to 638 students by year five of the renewal charter term);
• Ivy Hill Preparatory Charter School - NYC CSD 18 - (Three-year renewal and a revision to amend its Key Design Elements);
• LEEP Dual Language Academy Charter School - NYC CSD  15 - (Four-year renewal);
• Williamsburg Charter High School- NYC CSD 14 - (Five-year renewal);

Queens (1):

• New Dawn Charter High School II - NYC CSD  28 - (Five-year renewal and a revision to amend the school’s key design elements);

Staten Island (2):

• Bridge Preparatory Charter School - NYC CSD 31 - (Three-year renewal and a revision to (1) increase the school’s grade span from its current Grade1 through Grade 5 configuration to add kindergarten and make a corresponding increase to the school’s authorized enrollment from 242 students to 272 students by year one of the renewal charter term, and (2) amend the school’s key design elements);
• Hellenic Classical Charter School - Staten Island - NYC CSD 31 - (Five-year renewal and (1) a revision to increase the school’s grade span from its current kindergarten through Grade 5 configuration to include Grades 6 through 8 and make a corresponding increase to the school’s authorized enrollment from 450 students to 675 students by year five of the renewal charter term);

Buffalo City School District (1):

• Health Sciences Charter School - Buffalo City School District - (Five-year Renewal);

Greece Central School District (1):

• Discovery Charter School - Greece Central School District - (Five-Year Renewal);

Rochester City School District (2):

• Academy of Health Sciences Charter School - Rochester City School District - (Four-year Renewal); and
• Vertus Charter School - Rochester City School District - (Five-year renewal).

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Bronx Charter School for Children: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Bronx Charter School for Children and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Bronx Charter School for the Arts: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Bronx Charter School for the Arts and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Harriet Tubman Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Harriet Tubman Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2026.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that New York City Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of New York City Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Rosalyn Yalow Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Rosalyn Yalow Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2028.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that: South Bronx Community Charter High School (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of South Bronx Community Charter High School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Brooklyn RISE Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Brooklyn RISE Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Compass Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Compass Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Hellenic Classical Charter School (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Hellenic Classical Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Ivy Hill Preparatory Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Ivy Hill Preparatory Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2027.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that LEEP Dual Language Academy Charter School (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of LEEP Dual Language Academy Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2028

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Williamsburg Charter High School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Williamsburg Charter High School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that New Dawn Charter High School II: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of New Dawn Charter High School II and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Bridge Preparatory Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Bridge Preparatory Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2027.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Hellenic Classical Charter School – Staten Island: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Hellenic Classical Charter School – Staten Island and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Health Sciences Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Health Sciences Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Discovery Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Discovery Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Academy of Health Sciences Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Academy of Health Sciences Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2028.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Vertus Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Vertus Charter School and that a renewal charter be issued, and that its provisional charter be extended for a term up through and including June 30, 2029.

The motion passed unanimously.

Renewal Recommendations for Charter Schools Authorized by the Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education [P12 (A) 5] – Department and BPS staff presented recommendations for charter renewals from Buffalo Public Schools. Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) is recommending that the Board of Regents approve charter renewals for the following charter schools authorized by BPS pursuant to Article 56 of the Education Law (the NYS Charter Schools Act):

• Enterprise Charter School – (Three-year renewal); and
• Westminster Community Charter School – (Four-year renewal).

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Enterprise Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Enterprise Charter School and that a renewal charter is issued, and that its charter be extended for a term from July 1, 2024 and up through and including June 30, 2027; and it is further voted that the full corrective action plan/comprehensive education plan to be developed by Enterprise Charter School and the Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education shall be submitted to the Board of Regents by January 1, 2025.

The Committee recommends that the Board of Regents finds that Westminster Community Charter School: (1) meets the requirements set out in Article 56 of the Education Law, and all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations; (2) the applicant can demonstrate the ability to operate the school in an educationally and fiscally sound manner; (3) granting the application is likely to improve student learning and achievement and materially further the purposes set out in subdivision two of Section twenty-eight hundred fifty of this article; and (4) granting the application would have a significant educational benefit to the students expected to attend the charter school, and the Board of Regents, therefore, approves the renewal application of Westminster Community Charter School and that a renewal charter is issued, and that its charter be extended for a term from July 1, 2024, and up through and including June 30, 2028; and it is further voted that the full corrective action plan/comprehensive education plan to be developed by Westminster Community Charter School and the Buffalo Public Schools Board of Education shall be submitted to the Board of Regents by January 1, 2025.

The motion passed unanimously.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

NYS Green Ribbon School - Department staff presented the NYS Green Ribbon to the Garrison School acknowledging their excellent work in sustainability and environmental awareness.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update - Department staff presented an update on the major action steps and initiatives of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion since the office opened in December 2022.

Deputy Commissioner Angelique Johnson-Dingle reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.