ICYMI: The Newton TAB Endorses Question 2

Yesterday, The Newton TAB endorsed Question 2 to lift the cap on public charter schools in Massachusetts. “Yes to more charter schools,” highlights the need for quality public education options in underperforming school districts throughout Massachusetts.

Commentary: Yes to more charter schools By Andy Levin for Newton Wicked Local

“Question 2 on the ballot — a proposal to allow the establishment of 12 new charter schools each year — is the most contentious state issue facing voters Election Day. Whether to lift the charter school cap even created controversy and dissension on our School Committee, which after weeks of debate voted to oppose the ballot question, by an atypically split 5-3-1 vote. This while millions of advertising dollars have poured into the state, as lobbies for both sides aim to impress voters — almost as if the battle for the Bay State is a kind of proxy war being fought by charter school advocates and opponents across the country. The issue is admittedly complicated, from a fiscal standpoint anyway. But whether voters should lift the cap on charters (something that hasn’t happened in more than five years) seems obvious: Question 2 should be approved, so thousands of waitlisted youngsters in underperforming school districts can access excellence in education and have a better chance of success in a highly competitive 21st century jobs market.”