Somerville Mayor Pens Charter School Op-Ed, Says Question 2 "Goes too Far"

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph Curtatone is not one to pull punches, and he recently set his sights on the upcoming Question 2.

If approved, the charter school cap would be lifted in Massachusetts, allowing for up to 12 new charter schools a year. There are currently 78 charter schools in the Bay State.

The ballot question has sparked a heated debate heading into Election Day, with those opposed claiming charter schools would divert funding from public school districts and those in support saying there isn't a whole lot of evidence to back that claim and more charter schools would benefit students in the Commonwealth.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone is steadfastly in the former camp and outlined his reasons for opposing lifting the charter cap in a recent editorial in Commonwealth Magazine.

"$412 MILLION. That figure represents the amount of taxpayer money that was diverted from 243 local school districts across the Commonwealth and given to charter schools last year," Curatone began. "If Ballot Question 2 passes this election, that annual number will grow much higher, and the consequences for students in our public schools will be long-lasting. We will have collectively taken away the very resources they need to succeed."

Curtatone acknowledged the benefits of charter schools, especially for parents who want more choices in their kids' education, and emphasized that he is not anti-charter schools, but anti-Question 2.

"I am not anti-charter school. In fact, I support the philosophy of charter schools and am proud to say we have an excellent charter school right here in our city," he wrote. "Thoughtfully managing the number and location of charter schools in our state has helped us build—not harm—educational opportunities for all children. But harm is exactly what would happen if Question 2 passes."

Curtatone is not the only city official in Massachusetts opposed to lifting the cap; 30 mayors, including Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, have come out against Question 2.

>>>Read Mayor Curtatone's full piece in Commonwealth Magazine

Image via City of Somerville