Former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan Endorses Question 2


In a piece for Commonwealth Magazine, former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan (D) endorsed Question 2, which would expand access to public charter schools in Massachusetts. If passed, Question 2 would primarily benefit nine urban districts where traditional public schools are failing, and where there is significant waitlist demand for public charter schools.

Before his appointment as interim U.S. Senator in 2013, Cowan served as legal counsel and chief of staff to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Cowan was the eighth African-American United States Senator in U.S. history, and the second from Massachusetts.

“By investing in our children, we invest in our state, and thus, our future. I support this initiative because I believe in the public school system and I believe in students having a choice. This election, I hope you will join me in voting ‘yes” for our students,’ said Cowan in an op-ed published in Commonwealth Magazine.

Read more here:

A vote for students

By Mo Cowan for Commonwealth Magazine

“We have 32,000 students on the waiting list for public charter schools in the state. Of this number, 12,000 students are in Boston. This ballot question would give the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education the ability to approve up to 12 new charter schools or charter school expansions a year, giving these students the public school opportunity they deserve.

As priority would go to the 25 percent of lowest performing school districts in the state and districts with significant charter school waiting lists, this initiative will greatly expand opportunity for economically disadvantaged students. By supporting these efforts, we have the chance to help close the socioeconomic gap at one the most critical stages for youth.

Study after study has shown large learning gains in Boston charter schools for black, Hispanic, low-income, and special education students, and English language learners in both math and reading. Every child deserves a chance to attend a better school, regardless of his or her background…”

“...I will vote in favor of Question 2 because as a Democrat who believes in public education, thinks teachers are as important today as they ever have been, and who has the privilege of choice for my kids’ education, it currently is our best option to empower more families to choose the right public education for their children and for the rest of us to support innovation in education, the foundation upon which every innovative idea is built.”