What the SUNY Charter Schools Institute Does
The SUNY Charter Schools Institute supports the State University of New York Board of Trustees in carrying out its statutory responsibility as a charter authorizer and overseeing public charter schools across New York State. Created by the SUNY Board of Trustees in 1999, the Institute helps carry out SUNY’s responsibilities under the New York Charter Schools Act while working to cultivate an environment where strong public schools can take root and thrive. For nearly thirty years, the Institute’s oversight has served as a catalyst for charter school improvement and furthered SUNY’s leading role in strengthening public education across the State.
SUNY authorized charter schools operate independently of traditional school districts and receive flexibility to design their educational programs and operations. In exchange for that autonomy, schools are held to high standards for student achievement, organizational performance, financial management, and equitable outcomes.
Our Mission
To cultivate an environment where strong public schools can take root and thrive.
How SUNY Charter School Authorizing Works
| Area of Responsibility | What the Institute Does |
|---|---|
| What the Institute Does | What the Institute Does |
| New School Applications | Reviews applications for new charter schools and recommends proposals that are meet requirements of New York charter law and SUNY’s request for Proposals. . |
| School Accountability | Monitors authorized schools for academic achievement, organizational effectiveness, compliance, and sound financial management. |
| School Autonomy and Innovation | Respects the independence of charter schools and creates space for schools to develop innovative educational practices and models. |
| Guidance and School Support | Provides resources and guidance to help schools navigate academic, fiscal, governance, and compliance responsibilities. |
| Renewal and Charter Revisions | Evaluates school performance and prepares recommendations for charter renewals and other actions considered by the SUNY Board of Trustees Charter Schools Committee. |
| Public Transparency | Publishes school information and performance documents so families, school communities, and the public can understand school outcomes and authorizer decisions. |
The Autonomy for Accountability Approach
Charter schools were created in New York to provide public schools with greater flexibility in exchange for clear accountability for strong student achievement results. SUNY authorized schools can make important decisions about curriculum, staffing, schedules, school culture, and educational models while remaining responsible for meeting the academic, organizational, fiscal, and legal expectations established in their charters.
The Institute evaluates schools throughout their charter terms and uses performance information, school visits, required reports, and other evidence to inform recommendations to the SUNY Board of Trustees.
Institute Values
- Trust & Team: Demonstrating honesty, respect, transparency, and collaboration in decision-making, leadership, and relationships.
- High Standards: Respecting school independence while maintaining strong expectations for academic achievement, organizational performance, and equitable outcomes.
- Growth & Innovation: Building on experience, research, and varied perspectives to support effective and innovative charter school practices.
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Supporting efforts to increase representation and equitable opportunities across school boards, leadership, teachers, staff, and school communities.
SUNY Board of Trustees Charter Schools Committee
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the State University of New York. The Charter Schools Committee is a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees that oversees SUNY authorized charter schools. The Committee approves or denies charter applications, revisions and renewals, administers a statewide charter school grant program, and sets SUNY charter school policies and standards. Committee description.
- Committee Chair: Joseph W. Belluck
- Member: Eric Corngold
- Member: Marcos Crespo
- Member: Eunice Lewin
- Member: Edward Spiro
- Member (ex officio): Dr. Merryl H. Tisch, Chair, SUNY Board of Trustees
Frequently Asked Questions About the SUNY Charter Schools Institute
What is the SUNY Charter Schools Institute?
The SUNY Charter Schools Institute supports the SUNY Board of Trustees in carrying out its responsibilities as a New York charter school authorizer. The Institute reviews applications, oversees authorized schools, evaluates performance, publishes public information, and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
What does it mean to authorize a charter school?
A charter school authorizer approves or recommends approval of new schools, establishes performance expectations, monitors schools during their charter terms, and evaluates whether schools should be renewed or take other charter actions. SUNY’s authorizing authority comes from the New York Charter Schools Act of 1998.
Does the Institute operate SUNY authorized charter schools?
No. SUNY authorized charter schools are independently operated public schools. The Institute provides oversight, accountability, guidance, and authorizer review and does not manage a school’s day-to-day educational or operational decisions.
How does SUNY hold charter schools accountable?
SUNY evaluates authorized schools for student achievement, organizational performance, financial management, compliance, and progress toward the goals established in their charter accountability plans. This evidence is used throughout the charter term and during renewal review.
Can SUNY close a charter school?
Yes. A school’s Accountability Plan lays out specific student achievement goals and outcome measures that represent expectations the SUNY Trustees hold for student learning and achievement. At the end of its charter term, a school must demonstrate comprehensive evidence for meetings these Accountability Plan goals. Schools that are unable to demonstrate this evidence are at risk of non-renewal.
Who makes final decisions about SUNY charter applications and renewals?
The SUNY Board of Trustees Charter Schools Committee acts on charter applications, revisions, and renewals based on the applicable review process and recommendations prepared by the Institute.