Dozens of organizations and individuals have signed a letter calling for “funding fairness” for Rochester-area charter schools.
Wayne County from 7pm tonight until 8am Wednesday, 3-6" of wet snow, mainly in eastern sections of Wayne County.FILE - Students sit in a classroom at Rochester Prep Jay Campus Elementary School, a charter school on Jay Street in Rochester, Tuesday, Jan.
Wayne County from 7pm tonight until 8am Wednesday, 3-6" of wet snow, mainly in eastern sections of Wayne County..FILE - Students sit in a classroom at Rochester Prep Jay Campus Elementary School, a charter school on Jay Street in Rochester, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. Rochester, N.Y. — Some members of Rochester’s business community are urging state leaders in Albany to increase funding for local charter schools, arguing that investment in education is critical to strengthening the region’s workforce. Dozens of organizations and individuals have signed a letter calling for “funding fairness” for Rochester-area charter schools. Advocates say the current funding levels lag behind those in other upstate cities. “We want to be on equal footing with all the charter schools in the state,” said Howie Jacobson, a charter school advocate. “We’re not getting enough to provide the kind of education needed to dramatically improve outcomes for students.” Jacobson points to disparities in state aid, noting that Rochester receives less charter school funding than cities like Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany and Poughkeepsie.In response, Jacobson has sent a letter to state leaders requesting an additional $2,500 per student. That increase would bring total funding to $16,739 per pupil, a figure he still considers modest compared to traditional public school spending. Rochester City School District’s website indicates the district spends nearly double that amount per student, but Jacobson is not taking issue with funding per pupil within the RCSD. With backing from local business leaders, proponents say increased funding would allow charter schools to hire more teachers and strengthen instruction in foundational skills like math, reading, and writing — all essential for workforce readiness. “And there are numerous businesses realizing that if students understand early on what it’s like to have a job waiting for them, it can make a big difference,” Jacobson said. State Senator Jeremy Cooney, who represents parts of Rochester, supports the push for reevaluating charter school funding. “In Rochester, we have a large number of charter schools, which means many of our students, our future workforce, are enrolled in them,” Cooney said. However, Cooney acknowledged that the current state budget proposals do not include an increase in charter school funding for Rochester. The existing funding formula, managed by the New York State Education Department, remains unchanged. “We want to make sure the state Education Department is reevaluating that formula,” he said. “I’ve started conversations with my colleagues in the Senate and pointed out this disparity. I hope we can come to a solution.” When asked whether changes could happen during this legislative session, Cooney responded, "I certainly hope so." "We want to make sure that if you are a student and a parent who has chosen a charter school option that you get your fair share," said Cooney. "I am a product of the Rochester City School District. I believe in strong public education. But for parents and students that choose charter schools, we don't want them to be punished and getting less money per pupil just because they're based in Rochester versus Buffalo, that's not how our education system should work." Jacobson believes that better-funded charter schools would benefit not only students but also the broader business community by creating a more prepared workforce. “If we can make sure students are prepared, we’re going to have a dynamic growth opportunity for businesses to come to Rochester,” he said.While Jacobson expects some increase in funding this year, he said it likely won’t meet the level advocates are seeking. He added that the business community plans to continue lobbying for equitable funding in the years ahead.As the war with Iran continues and the Straight of Hormuz is at a standstill, some 20% of the world’s oil remains out of the market.A fugitive wanted in connection to a police chase and RTS bus crash has been apprehended, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.A Monroe County Sheriff's Office police bureau deputy is facing charges following a domestic investigation.
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