The city is stiffing a high-performing Queens charter school on rent in violation of state law, the school argues in a new lawsuit.
Central Queens Academy Charter School, in Glendale — which boasts that it outperformed every other charter in the borough in math and English Language Arts proficiency this year — says the city has refused to pay for utilities and janitorial services that are folded into the rent.
The bimonthly rent is now $90,000 and the city is reimbursing only $66,000, according to court papers.
The city had previously paid the entire rent — which includes electric, heating and cleaning services — but suddenly stopped in July after the rent was hiked, according to the Manhattan Supreme Court suit.
The charter is suing for $40,000 in back payments and to force the city to cover the costs going forward.
The charter argues that the city is flouting state law which requires it to pay for the “actual cost” of renting a space.
An NYC Law Department spokesman said, “The city is reviewing the complaint.”