Two New York state senators are calling for a formal investigation into a large charter school rally held this week. The request follows allegations that school leaders canceled classes and mandated attendance for students and staff, raising questions about the use of public funds and instructional time.
Key Takeaways
- State Senators John Liu and Shelley Mayer have requested an investigation into a recent charter school rally.
- Success Academy allegedly canceled classes and required students and staff to attend the political event.
- A recording captured founder Eva Moskowitz telling employees that advocacy is a required part of their job.
- The lawmakers cite concerns over the potential misuse of state funds and instructional time for political purposes.
Investigation Demanded Over Mandatory Rally Attendance
State Senators John Liu and Shelley Mayer sent a formal letter on Friday to the New York State Department of Education and the State University of New York (SUNY). The letter formally requests an investigation into a rally organized by charter school advocates.
The core of their concern is the allegation that charter schools, which are publicly funded, used a school day for a political event. The lawmakers argue that this action may constitute a misuse of taxpayer money.
Public Funding, Private Management
Charter schools in New York City operate in a unique space. They receive public funding to educate approximately 142,000 students but are managed by private organizations. This structure is often at the center of debates regarding accountability and the use of public resources.
“Canceling classes during a school day and forcing families and students to engage in a political rally is an egregious misuse of instructional time and state funds,” the senators wrote in their letter.
They emphasized the purpose of public dollars provided to these institutions. “Our state provides public dollars to charter schools to educate students, not for political activism or for influencing elections,” the letter stated.
The senators also noted that they received reports from individuals who felt compelled to participate. According to their letter, “staff and families reported feeling pressured to participate and fearful of repercussions if they did not.”
Leaked Audio Surfaces from School Leadership
The call for an investigation was prompted in part by a recording obtained by Gothamist. The audio features Eva Moskowitz, the founder of Success Academy, one of the city's largest charter networks, addressing her staff about the rally.
In the recording, Moskowitz is heard telling employees that political advocacy is a component of their professional duties. She described the school's operational structure in clear terms.
“We are quite hierarchical,” Moskowitz stated in the recording. “There is a chain of command, and when your boss asks you to do something, assuming it's not unethical or a question of conscience, you do the task.”
She concluded the directive with the question, “Are we clear?” This has been interpreted by critics as a direct order for staff to participate in the political demonstration.
Moskowitz also sent communications to families, urging them to attend the rally and contact elected officials. An email reviewed by Gothamist shows she requested that “100% of parents to get on the bus with us,” framing the issue as a response to “serious threats to the educational excellence your child deserves.”
Political Tensions and Mayoral Race
The rally, which saw thousands of charter school parents, students, and staff march across the Brooklyn Bridge, occurred just weeks before a critical mayoral election. The outcome of the race could significantly shape the future of charter schools in New York City.
The Democratic nominee and current front-runner, Zohran Mamdani, has publicly stated his opposition to expanding the charter school sector. He has argued that these schools “siphon resources” away from traditional public schools.
An 'Existential Threat'
In her recorded remarks to staff, Eva Moskowitz described the current political climate as an “existential threat” to Success Academy. While she did not mention the mayoral candidate by name, the timing of the rally suggests a direct connection to the upcoming election.
This is not the first time charter advocates have organized such a demonstration during a key election. The event's structure was very similar to a rally held in 2013 when Bill de Blasio, another critic of charter schools, was the leading mayoral candidate.
“We have a core competency in political threats, unfortunately,” Moskowitz said in the recording. “This is one of these moments where there is heightened risk... and so we are going to do what we've always done, which is to stand up for children and families in a massive way.”
School Defends Dual Mission of Education and Advocacy
In response to the criticism, Success Academy has defended its actions by citing a foundational mission that includes both education and advocacy. A spokesperson for the school network stated that this has always been part of their identity.
“Nobody who works at Success should be surprised by this or should object to standing up for charter schools,” spokesperson Ann Powell said in a statement. “That has always been true and it's why we have organized so many marches over the years.”
However, Senator Liu challenged this defense. He pointed out the fundamental issue of canceling classes for a political event, regardless of the school's stated mission.
“It was a school day and classes were not held. So that by itself is a disservice to school kids, and a potential misuse of state funds,” Liu stated. “Whether or not the staff agreed to the dual mission, that remains to be seen.”
The State Department of Education and SUNY have not yet publicly responded to the senators' request for an investigation. The outcome could have significant implications for how publicly funded charter schools are permitted to engage in political activities during school hours.
