Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) announced that Long Island Children’s Academy has withdrawn its application from the state. The charter school was seeking approval from the state to open in the Brentwood and Central Islip area.

“Thanks to the outspoken voices of community members, our public schools won’t have critical resources taken from them,” said Ramos. “The goal is quality education for all, not shortchanging our public schools and students. I will continue fighting so that every student has the opportunity for a top-notch education, as well as to ease the burden on local taxpayers.”

Ramos and other community members opposed the charter school due to concerns it would drain resources from the Brentwood and Central Islip school districts. He also argued against the need for a new charter school citing the recent improvement in the standing of local schools, including Central Islip High School, whose status the state Education Department has recently upgraded to “good standing.” The Long Island Children’s Academy subsequently withdrew its application, saying it would further strengthen its partnership with the community.

Assemblyman Ramos previously secured over $17 million in increased funding for Brentwood and Central Islip schools and noted he’ll continue to fight for more funding to provide a quality education to all students.