Bipartisan Coalition to Launch "Yes on 2" Ballot Campaign to Expand Access to Public Charter Schools in Massachusetts

Tomorrow a bipartisan group of parents, community leaders, elected officials, education advocates, charter school leaders, business community leaders, and other advocates for public charter schools will formally launch a ballot campaign to bring fair access to public charter schools to thousands of students in the Commonwealth, urging voters to vote Yes on Question 2 on November 8th.

Massachusetts is home to the best charter schools in the nation, with a proven, 20-year track record of closing the achievement gap in underperforming school districts. But today, almost 33,000 children are stuck on waiting lists to attend public charter schools in Massachusetts because of an arbitrary and outdated cap on enrollment.

Passing Question 2 in November would enable the state Board of Education to approve a modest increase in new charter schools or expansions per year, with preference given to schools in the lowest 25% performing districts, where public charter schools are in high demand from parents. New public charter schools would continue to be subject to the rigorous approval and accountability processes that have made Massachusetts’ home to the nation’s best public charter schools.

“We’re excited that voters will have an opportunity this fall to give Massachusetts parents - especially the parents of the 33,000 kids stuck on public charter school waiting lists - the opportunity to choose the best public school for their children,” said Eileen O’Connor of Great Schools Massachusetts. “We’re eager to spread the word about the longer school days, more individual attention, and great teaching that has made Massachusetts’ public charter schools some of the nation’s best public schools.”

WHAT: Launch event to kick off ballot campaign to support expanding access to public charter schools

WHO: Great Schools Massachusetts, joined by Governor Charlie Baker and other invited guests

WHEN: Thursday, July 14th, 1:00pm

WHERE: State House, Great Hall

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. Nearly 33,000 children in Massachusetts remain stuck on public charter school waiting lists due to arbitrary enrollment caps, particularly in urban districts where traditional public schools are underperforming. Great Schools Massachusetts is committed to providing families with equal access to public charter schools.

CONTACT:
Eileen O'Connor
eileen@keyserpublicstrategies.com
617-806-6999