Gov. Charlie Baker Hits The Trail In Support of Question 2

This week, Governor Charlie Baker joined parents, families and volunteers in support of Question 2, a ballot initiative that would expand access to high quality public charter schools in urban, low performing districts throughout the Commonwealth. Throughout the week, Gov. Baker was joined by elected officials and community leaders as he went door-to-door in Springfield, Lowell and New Bedford.

Governor Baker began efforts in support of Question 2 in Springfield on Tuesday, where he joined volunteers at the home of Henry Thomas, President of the Urban League in Springfield. Gov. Baker and Thomas joined volunteers to knock on doors in the neighborhood, encouraging voters to vote Yes on Question 2.

“When I look at this whole issue, it is very simple to me,” said Governor Baker. “All I really want is for every parent in Massachusetts to have the same choice and the same opportunity that is already available to about 90% of the parents in Massachusetts.”

The following afternoon, Gov. Baker and Rep. David Nangle attended a community house party in Lowell. “As a Democrat committed to giving all children access to a great education, I believe the more high quality options parent have, the better,” said Rep. Nangle. “In Lowell, public charter schools are providing high quality choices.”

To wrap up the week, Governor Baker went on a tour of Alma del Mar Public Charter School in New Bedford. Following his visit, he spoke with students and volunteers about Question 2 at a nearby housing development.

Massachusetts is home to the best public charter schools in the nation, with a proven, 20-year track record of providing an excellent education to all children, and strengthening Massachusetts’ best-in-the-nation public education system.

If passed, Question 2 would allow the state Board of Elementary & Secondary Education to approve up to 12 new charter schools, or expansions of existing schools, with preference given to lowest 25% performing districts. Nine communities that have reached their cap on charter enrollment, or have room for only one additional charter school, would be impacted by Question 2: Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Springfield and Worcester. The remainder of school districts in the Commonwealth would see no impact.

Great Schools Massachusetts is a statewide coalition of parents, community groups, public charter schools, education advocates and members of the business community committed to providing families with equal access to public charter schools.