Bay State Banner Supports Question 2

Today, the Bay State Banner became the first newspaper to endorse Question 2 to lift the cap on public charter schools in Massachusetts. “Vote ‘yes’ for better educational opportunities”, highlights the extraordinary academic achievement and innovation coming out of public charter schools, particularly the Brooke Charter Schools.

"Continued excuses for failure in the academic outcomes from public schools are unacceptable. Charter schools like Brooke indicate that educational success is possible. Brooke achievements create a challenge to public school systems. It is too soon to shut down the innovation by voting “no” on Question 2. Vote “yes,” for the children’s sake," reads the editorial.

“As a public charter school parent and loyal Banner reader, I could not be more excited for their endorsement and support,” said Shellina Semexant of Roxbury, who has one child in a charter school and another one on a waiting list to attend one.

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.

Passing Question 2 in November will give more parents the right to choose the best public school for their children, by enabling 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 performing districts. Question 2 will strengthen Massachusetts’ best-in-the-nation public schools, give children more time in the classroom, and lead to more funding for public education.

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.