A new Quinnipiac poll released on Nov. 19 found that New York City voters are divided on the idea of more charter schools, but many believe those charters should pay rent for using public school buildings.

TREND: As you may know, charter schools are operated by private or non-profit organizations. The schools are paid for with public funds and do not charge tuition. Do you think the mayor should increase the number of charter schools, decrease the number of charter schools, or keep the number of charter schools the same?

TREND: Do you think charter schools should be required to pay rent when they are located in New York City public school buildings or not?

UFT President Michael Mulgrew released the following statement in response to the poll:

People – particularly elected officials – need to look closely at these poll results. Nearly half the voters surveyed (48 percent) recommend that Mayor deBlasio either freeze the number of charter schools or actually reduce them, while only 43 percent think that the number of charters should be increased. Meanwhile an increasing number of New Yorkers – now 50 percent – think charters should not be getting a free ride and should pay rent when they occupy space in a public school.