New York Lawmakers Aim to Limit SUNY's Charter School Oversight

Proposed changes would give the state Board of Regents sole authority to approve new charters, raising concerns about the impact on educational quality.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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As New York's charter schools continue to outperform traditional public schools, the state's special interests are pushing to limit the SUNY board's authority to authorize new charters. Progressives in the legislature are calling to give the state Board of Regents sole oversight, which is seen as more influenced by teachers' unions and anti-charter forces. Data shows SUNY-authorized charters have significantly higher student proficiency rates compared to Regents-approved charters, raising concerns that the proposed changes would undermine educational excellence.

Why it matters

The ability of SUNY to independently authorize new charter schools has been crucial in allowing innovative educational approaches to thrive in New York. Shifting this power solely to the Regents, who are viewed as more ideologically aligned against charter schools, could stifle the growth of high-performing charter options for students and families.

The details

Under the current charter school law, both SUNY and the state Board of Regents have the authority to issue new charters. However, progressives in the New York legislature have been pushing to remove SUNY's role, leaving the Regents as the sole authorizer. This change is viewed as an attempt to appease teachers' unions and other anti-charter forces that have influence over the Regents. Data shows SUNY-authorized charter schools have significantly outperformed Regents-approved charters on state proficiency exams in both English and math over the past two years.

  • The charter school law was passed in 1998, establishing SUNY and the Regents as dual authorizers.
  • Progressives have been calling to sideline SUNY's role as a charter authorizer for several years.
  • The proposed changes could be implemented as soon as Governor Kathy Hochul's re-election year in 2026.

The players

SUNY Board

The State University of New York board that currently has the authority to authorize new charter schools. They are viewed as academic professionals focused on empirical evidence of effective educational approaches.

New York State Board of Regents

The state board that could be given sole authority to approve new charters under the proposed changes. The Regents are seen as more influenced by teachers' unions and anti-charter forces.

New York Progressives

State lawmakers who have been pushing to remove SUNY's charter authorization powers and give the Regents sole oversight.

Governor Kathy Hochul

The New York governor who may be pressured to support the proposed changes to charter school oversight as she seeks re-election in 2026.

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What’s next

The proposed changes to charter school oversight would need to be approved by the New York state legislature and signed into law by Governor Hochul. If implemented, the shift would give the Regents sole authority to authorize new charters, potentially impacting the growth and performance of the charter school sector in the state.

The takeaway

This debate over charter school oversight in New York highlights the ongoing tensions between those who prioritize educational innovation and excellence, and those aligned with the traditional public school system and teachers' unions. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of school choice and academic outcomes for students across the state.