Mamdani doesn't care about 'upward mobility', and his charter school snub proves it
New York’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has turned down a meeting with leaders from 19 city charter-school networks. The group invited him to Ember Charter School on December 12 to discuss how high-quality schools could support his affordability goals. No official reason has been given for his refusal to attend.
The charter leaders extended their invitation weeks ago but received no response. Their schools, known for longer days and academic years, have consistently outperformed traditional public schools in test scores. Last year, third- to eighth-graders in charters achieved higher proficiency in reading (68% vs. 56%) and math (69% vs. 57%).
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has long opposed charter-school expansion. Critics argue this stance may conflict with his own affordability agenda, as charters provide low-income families with strong educational options. His transition team’s Committee on Youth & Education includes teachers union representatives but no charter leaders. By declining the meeting, Mamdani missed a chance to explore how charters could align with his policy goals. The schools’ track record suggests they could play a key role in improving education access for disadvantaged students.
The decision leaves questions about Mamdani’s approach to education reform. Charter schools, which often match private-school results for low-income pupils, remain a divisive issue. Without engagement, his administration’s plans for affordable, high-quality schooling may face further challenges.
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