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“Kathy Hochul makes history today, breaking the highest, hardest glass ceiling in the Empire State. We look forward to working closely with Governor Hochul in the months ahead to help students navigate this challenging time and to ensure that every child in New York State has access to a world-class education,” said StudentsFirstNY Chief Advocacy Officer Crystal McQueen-Taylor.

A newly released StudentsFirstNY poll conducted by Benenson Strategy Group of more than 1,500 likely Democratic primary voters in New York City found an overwhelming majority support public charter schools. Among the key findings were:

• Primary voters overwhelmingly (80%) say that charter schools are mostly good for their students (84% of Black voters and 81% of Latino voters say charters in NYC are mostly good for their students.)
• After hearing an explanation of the current cap on charter schools, 70% of voters say that we should allow new charter schools to open if parents want them (73% of Black primary voters and 75% of Latino primary voters say new charter schools should be allowed to open if parents want them.)

"In a survey of likely democratic primary voters, 84% of Black voters have a positive view of charters and a significant majority want to see mayoral candidates embrace charters in their education vision,” said StudentsFirstNY Executive Director Jenny Sedlis. “We look forward to a new era in partnership with a mayor who will put the students of New York first."

"For almost a year, the community raised its voice to demand justice for George Floyd. Today, those calls were heeded. While no verdict will bring George Floyd back to his loved ones, we hope that this verdict brings some small solace to them and the country. As Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated, 'this verdict is about accountability, but justice is about restoration.' We stand in solidarity with the Floyd family, and the countless other families who have not known justice. We must continue to work toward a future where black lives truly matter, where we do not have to say any more names," said StudentsFirstNY Chief Advocacy Officer Crystal McQueen-Taylor.   

Statement from StudentsFirstNY's Executive Director Jenny Sedlis: 

Former Mayor David Dinkins, a trailblazer in New York City politics, sought to bring New Yorkers together during challenging times. His rise to power inspired many New Yorkers in low-income communities and in these divisive times, we could all learn a lot from his legacy to embrace the 'gorgeous mosaic' of New York City. Rest in power, Mr. Mayor. 

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Statement from StudentsFirstNY's Executive Director Jenny Sedlis: 

StudentsFirstNY is working with our parent members and elected officials to ensure students’ and families’ needs are addressed in these unprecedented times.

Below are COVID-19 resources for New York families:

(Albany, NY) On February 15, 2020, nearly two hundred New York City parents and students traveled to the state capital in Albany to attend a special discussion about collaboration between district and charter schools. They heard from panel co-sponsor, Assembly Member Marcos Crespo and many other elected officials, as well as advocates and school leaders focused on sharing best practices and focusing on ALL kids, regardless of school type. This was the fifth consecutive year StudentsFirstNY hosted a panel discussion at the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus weekend.

"New York City's education system received its report card today and the results must serve as a wake up call to all of us. New York City should be the model for the country, but under Mayor de Blasio's leadership, NYC schools are stuck in neutral. According to the gold standard of student performance, New York City scores essentially remained flat with a notable five-point drop in fourth-grade math scores from 2013. It's clear we need a mayor committed to proven reforms and evidence-based solutions, not a lame duck with dog-ate-my-homework excuses,” said StudentsFirstNY Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

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StudentsFirstNY is a grassroots education advocacy organization dedicated to improving public school options throughout New York State

(New York, NY) Dozens of public charter school parents from across New York City rallied outside the NYC Department of Education in support of a longstanding City initiative that allows charter schools to mail flyers to prospective families. New York City has a model program where it protects parent privacy so that no school has access to parent contact information, but parents can still be informed about school options in their neighborhood.

“The budget agreement reached by Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie puts the needs of students first. Thanks to their leadership, all public school students – charter and district – will be better off. This year's budget deal takes an important step to making sure all schools have access to the funding they need," said StudentsFirstNY Executive Director Jenny Sedlis.

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StudentsFirstNY is a grassroots education advocacy organization dedicated to improving public school options throughout New York State.