Braintree School Officials Uneasy With Proposed Charter School Increase

BRAINTREE, MA — Like other school committees in the state, the Braintree School Committee is being asked to vote against Question 2.

If approved by voters, the ballot question would allow the state to approve up to 12 new charter schools a year with no cap on total schools across the state. Currently, Massachusetts has a cap that allows for no more than 72 charter schools.

“It takes money out of the public schools and as we've heard, Braintree's great. In my opinion, I grew up here and the schools are fantastic. If kids go to charter schools we lose money,” Braintree Educators Association President Taylor Sturtevant said.

Sturtevant additionally told the committee that the school district loses about $200,000 a year to charter schools.

No vote was taken but some committee members and school officials appeared to lean towards supporting a resolution against Question 2. Committee member Tom Devin asked if charter schools are allowed to exclude students that they choose not to educate.

“There are studies that show they don't take on students with needs, such as SpEd,” Sturtevant said.

“Fundamentally they are on the other side of the coin where they are not inclusive and we are,” Devin
replied.

Superintendent Frank Hackett also voiced opposition to the question, stating that he believes that the competition is unfair when competing against charger schools.

“Until that changes, the idea of blowing the cap wide opening is frightening because we've seen other charter schools that made promises and closed during the school year because they can't afford to stay open. That's not as present in Massachusetts but it is something to think about,” Hackett said.

The school committee is expected to vote on a resolution at their next meeting. Voters will have their say on the issue during the November election.

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