Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has co-sponsored an amendment to  H.R. 10, the Success and Opportunity through Quality Charter Schools Act, that would require the disclosure of information that will allow government officials and parents to reach informed conclusions about the performance of charter schools. The information would include graduation rates,  changes in academic performance for student who attend charter schools, and student retention rates.

The amendment would require the agency that authorizes the establishment of charter schools –  which in New York State is the Board of Regents – to assess the performance of charter schools. There are currently about 250 charter schools that have been authorized in New York State, many of which are located in Brooklyn.

“Parents who are trying to decide where their children should attend school need to have comprehensive information on the performance of charter schools in their area,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “Particularly in Brooklyn, where families have many choices, particular for secondary school, that are sometimes difficult to differentiate.” 

In addition, Congresswoman Clarke has co-sponsored an amendment that prohibit charter schools from paying their administrator more than the highest ranking state education official. In New York State, Commissioner of Education John King earns $212,500 annually.

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.