Politics Overcome Demand to Create Quality Schools
CER Press Release
Washington, D.C.
March 25, 2014
Kara Kerwin, president of The Center for Education Reform, released the following statement on the failure to lift the charter school cap in Massachusetts:
“It is extremely disappointing to see efforts to lift the charter school cap in Massachusetts come up short, and access to in-demand schools statewide fall victim to political interests.
“The fact that lawmakers could not reach a consensus on expanding a category of schools for which over 13,600 students are on waiting lists for should be very troubling to Massachusetts parents and students.
“Honoring a tired and unproductive system of reimbursement that actually enhances funding disparities overcame the need to foster quality schools for Massachusetts students most in need of educational choices.
“Strong charter school laws feature independent, multiple authorizers, few limits on expansion, equitable funding, and high levels of school autonomy. Currently, Massachusetts ranks 25th out of the nation’s 43 charter school laws, earning a grade of a “C.”
“Lifting the charter school cap in Massachusetts is integral in generating positive outcomes for students. It’s unacceptable that lawmakers continue to fail to acknowledge the positive effects of charters on student learning and today’s failure to address the demand for better schools is proof positive that the politics of it all trump what’s best for kids in the Bay State.”