East Williston School Board Opposes Charter School Expansion

Board cites concerns over diversion of public funds and lack of regulation.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The East Williston school board voted unanimously to formally support the New York State School Board Association's efforts to advocate for legislation that would limit the expansion of charter schools. The board cited concerns that charter schools are diverting publicly funded tax dollars away from public school districts like East Williston, and that charter schools are not regulated by school boards or elected officials.

Why it matters

This vote highlights the ongoing tensions between public school districts and the growth of charter schools across Long Island. As more charter schools open, public school budgets are being strained, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of education funding and oversight.

The details

At their February 10th meeting, the East Williston Board of Education passed a resolution reaffirming their position against unregulated charter school expansion. Board President Mark Kamberg stated that increasing numbers of charter schools are 'diverting publicly funded tax dollars to their system,' negatively impacting public school budgets. The board also announced they are developing their 2026-2027 budget proposal, with a preliminary review indicating a 2.7% rise in administrative costs for the Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services.

  • The East Williston school board voted on the resolution at their meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
  • The board is currently working on a budget proposal for the 2026-2027 school year.

The players

Mark Kamberg

President of the East Williston Board of Education.

New York State School Board Association

An organization that advocates for public school districts and is working to pass legislation limiting charter school expansion.

David Keefe

The East Williston district's Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services representative and former school board trustee.

Jennifer Campagnoli-Kearney

An educator who received the ASSET Bright Lights Award for integrating innovative technology into her teaching.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There are increasing numbers of charter schools going up across the island. These charter schools are diverting publicly funded tax dollars to their system.”

— Mark Kamberg, President, East Williston Board of Education (longislandpress.com)

“What we're doing tonight is passing a simple resolution reaffirming our position and asking [the New York State School Board Association] to continue their efforts in lobbying against the unregulated effects of charter schools.”

— Mark Kamberg, President, East Williston Board of Education (longislandpress.com)

What’s next

The East Williston school board will continue to review and finalize their 2026-2027 budget proposal in upcoming work sessions, which will likely include further discussion of the impact of charter school expansion on their district's finances.

The takeaway

This vote by the East Williston school board underscores the growing tensions between public school districts and the proliferation of charter schools on Long Island. As more charter schools open, public school budgets are being strained, raising concerns about educational equity and the oversight of alternative school models.