Election 2016 Debate: Should Massachusetts Raise The Charter School Cap?

As we approach the November 8th elections, we’re hosting a series of short debates on the four statewide ballot questions facing Massachusetts voters this year.

Today we focus on Question 2, which would allow up to 12 charter schools to open or expand in the state per year. Charters are publicly funded schools that operate independently of school committees.

Representing the proponents of the question: Rachel Romano, founder of Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield. On the opposition side: Barbara Madeloni of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

A disclaimer in the interest of journalistic transparency: most NEPR workers are technically UMass employees and many are members of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. NEPR has also accepted underwriting from Veritas Prep Charter School in the past. However, as journalists, both of those facts have no bearing on our coverage of charter schools or any other subject.

Listen to the debate, moderated by New England Public Radio’s Henry Epp, by clicking the audio player above.