15 hours ago
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Members of Rochester’s business community are urging state leaders in Albany to increase funding for local charter schools, emphasizing that investment in education is vital to strengthening the region’s workforce.
Dozens of organizations and individuals have signed a letter calling for “funding fairness” for Rochester-area charter schools. Advocates argue that current funding levels lag behind those in other upstate cities.
“We want to be on equal footing with all the charter schools in the state,” said Howie Jacobson, a charter school advocate. “We’re not getting enough to provide the kind of education needed to dramatically improve outcomes for students.”
Jacobson highlights disparities in state aid, noting that Rochester receives less charter school funding than cities such as Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, and Poughkeepsie.
“Rochester is getting the lowest amount of charter school funding,” he said. “That really is not right.”
BACKGROUND: Rochester charter schools seek funding changes as New York legislative session begins | Rochester charter schools to get state funding boost under Hochul's proposed budget
In response, Jacobson has sent a letter to state leaders requesting an additional $2,500 per student. This increase would raise total funding to $16,739 per pupil, a figure he still considers modest compared to traditional public school spending.
The Rochester City School District’s website indicates the district spends nearly double that amount per student, but Jacobson does not dispute the funding per pupil within the RCSD.
With support from local business leaders, proponents say increased funding would enable charter schools to hire more teachers and strengthen instruction in foundational skills like math, reading, and writing — all essential for workforce readiness.
“There are numerous businesses realizing that if students understand early on what it’s like to have a job waiting for them, it can make a big difference,” Jacobson said.
State Senator Jeremy Cooney, who represents parts of Rochester, supports the push to reevaluate charter school funding.
“In Rochester, we have a large number of charter schools, which means many of our students, our future workforce, are enrolled in them,” Cooney said.
However, Cooney acknowledged that current state budget proposals do not include an increase in charter school funding for Rochester. The existing funding formula, managed by the New York State Education Department, remains unchanged.
“We want to make sure the state Education Department is reevaluating that formula,” he said. “I’ve started conversations with my colleagues in the Senate and pointed out this disparity. I hope we can come to a solution.”
When asked whether changes could happen during this legislative session, Cooney responded, “I certainly hope so.”
“We want to make sure that if you are a student and a parent who has chosen a charter school option that you get your fair share,” said Cooney. “I am a product of the Rochester City School District. I believe in strong public education. But for parents and students that choose charter schools, we don't want them to be punished and getting less money per pupil just because they're based in Rochester versus Buffalo, that's not how our education system should work.”
Jacobson believes that better-funded charter schools would benefit not only students but also the broader business community by creating a more prepared workforce.
“If we can make sure students are prepared, we’re going to have a dynamic growth opportunity for businesses to come to Rochester,” he said.
While Jacobson expects some increase in funding this year, he said it likely won’t meet the level advocates are seeking. He added that the business community plans to continue lobbying for equitable funding in the years ahead.
