As a legislator, I was struck by the brass of a recent campaign commercial. As a citizen, I am voting against Question 2, which would lift the cap on charter schools, because I am concerned about its impact on already-strained local school budgets. A Yes vote would create new schools without creating additional resources to pay for them.
Structural Reforms
More on Question Two
Many people were kind enough to weigh-in with feedback on the piece on Question Two that I ran last week and I thought I should follow up with some additional information. I support some charter expansion, but I do believe that Question Two goes too far.
No on Question Two
On school issues, I listen very closely to the feelings of parents. I get mixed signals from parents about charter schools, but I do come down against Question Two, which would lift the cap on charter schools, because it goes too far.
This Week’s Education Reform Vote
This week, the Senate will vote on a major education package. It goes beyond the question raised on the November ballot about the expansion of charter schools. The legislation seeks to improve education for all the children of Massachusetts. My vote for the bill will be a vote to keep that goal alive on Beacon Hill.
Continuing the conversation about charter schools
I’ve been getting passionate feedback from both sides, but the tilt among has been against expansion. As this conversation continues, I hope we can keep ourselves focused on our own direct perceptions and Massachusetts-specific facts.
The conversation about charter schools
The Senate is considering legislation to expand charter schools in Massachusetts. I am deeply interested to know how parents feel about the proposed changes — I give great weight to parents’ perceptions about what approach will best serve their children.