ROCHESTER, N.Y. (13WHAM) — As the New York State legislative session gets underway in Albany, charter school leaders and advocates in Rochester are hopeful Governor Kathy Hochul will address what they describe as a growing disparity in state funding.

Over the past two school years, Rochester charter schools have experienced a reduction in state aid, even as charter schools in New York’s other large cities have seen increases. The funding gap affects roughly 9,000 students enrolled in charter schools across the city.

“Rochester has been one of the only cities in New York State that has received a cut,” said Dr. Paul Miller, Chief Academic Officer at EDceptional.

When comparing state data, charter schools in each of the state’s “Big Five” cities saw increases in state aid over the past two years, except Rochester. During that time, Rochester charter schools lost more than $228 per student. That decrease translates to more than $2 million in lost funding, impacting 26 charter schools in Rochester according to the New York Charter Schools Association testimony submitted to the New York State Joint Legislative Budget Hearing – Elementary in January of 2025.

Langston McFadden, chair of the Rochester Prep Board of Trustees, said schools were forced to make difficult decisions in response to the cuts.

“We immediately went into triage mode to talk about how we can achieve the mission we want to achieve doing less,” McFadden said. “Credit to the staff and the incredible people behind the scenes.”

Last year, charter school advocates pushed for “bullet aid” from the state to help offset the losses, but that effort was unsuccessful.

In response to an inquiry about charter school funding in Rochester, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul said, “Governor Hochul’s top priority remains ensuring students statewide receive a quality education, that’s why she’s increased New York education funding by a record $8.3 billion since taking office.”

Despite that statement, Rochester charter school leaders say the funding formula itself needs to be reevaluated.

“I definitely believe the state formula needs to be changed,” Dr. Miller said. “There’s been advocacy and fighting to try to make it more equitable.”

State Senator Jeremy Cooney (D–56th District) acknowledged concerns raised by families and educators.

“We’ve had parents and teachers involved in the charter school process reach out and say something’s not right, we’re not getting our fair share,” Cooney said. “We’ve flagged that issue and raised it, but we want to make sure it’s consistent across the state.”

McFadden emphasized that despite reduced funding, Rochester charter schools continue to meet and exceed performance metrics in math and English Language Arts.

“Look at the outcomes that we generate,” he said. “Look at our graduating class and our alumni and understand the results we achieve, but also how much more we could do if that aid came through.”

Advocates say the funding cuts disproportionately affect students of color, who make up the majority of the charter school population in Rochester.

“About 97 to 98 percent of the students we educate are Black and Brown,” McFadden said. “They come from some of the poorer and socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods throughout the city, and they deserve equal access to education and future-focused technology.”

Charter school leaders say increased state funding would allow schools to hire additional staff, improve facilities, and expand access to technology.

More details about funding for charter schools are expected later this week when Governor Hochul releases her proposed state budget.

Charter School Tuition per student from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025 school years

Rochester: $14,316 to $14,088 (-$228)

Buffalo: $13,966 to $14,614 (+$648)

New York City: $18,340 to $19,044 (+$704)

Syracuse: $14,128 to $14,601 (+$473)

Yonkers: $17,635 to $18,310 (+$675)