Massachusetts Charter Schools Supporters Lose Battle; Yes on 2 Campaign 'Disappointed'

After tens of millions of campaign dollars and months of campaigning, Massachusetts appear to have voted against a contentious ballot initiative that would have opened the door to an increase in charter schools in the state, according to preliminary results.

The measure, Question 2, saw fierce opposition by teachers, their unions and many public school parents. It saw strong support championed by Gov. Charlie Baker. Both sides spent millions to persuade the public, after efforts to alter the state’s charter school policy fizzled in the Legislature.

If passed, the ballot question would have allowed Massachusetts’ Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to approve up to 12 new charter schools, or expand enrollment in existing charter schools, by up to 1 percent of statewide public school enrollment every year, starting in 2017.

A spokeswoman for the "Yes on 2" campaign effectively conceded the race, writing in a statement shared with Patch:

"Although we are disappointed with tonight's result, the work being done by Massachusetts best-in-the-nation public charter schools continues. These great schools will continue to provide first-rate education choices to kids stuck in failing schools. The creation of the charter movement, and the effort to reform a system that has changed so little in a hundred years isn't easy, but we know the thousands of parents, teachers and students that have fueled this campaign will press on."

In Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, voter Thomas Ruffen is no doubt feeling relieved. A Boston Public School bus monitor and paraprofessional, Ruffen told Patch he is most concerned about Question Two, and the implications for children with disabilities.

Gov. Charlie Baker, who campaigned hard for the ballot initiative released his own statement late Tuesday night, writing:

“I am proud to have joined with thousands of parents, teachers and education reformers in a worthwhile campaign to provide more education choices for students stuck in struggling districts, and while Question 2 was not successful, the importance of that goal is unchanged. I am proud that our administration has made historic investments in our public schools, expanded support for vocational schools and proposed new solutions to make college more affordable. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders toward our common goal to ensure a great education for every child in Massachusetts, regardless of their zip code.”

Question 2 was the most costly question on the state ballot this election cycle.

Read More:

• Here's How Much Massachusetts' Ballot Questions Cost
• MA Question 2: Yes, It's Personal
• Massachusetts' Statewide Ballot Questions for November 2016

Patch will update this story.

Photo by Patch staff