Great Schools Massachusetts collects 100k signatures in support of ballot question to lift the cap on public charter schools

Great Schools Massachusetts, a statewide coalition of parents, educators, and community leaders working to lift the cap on public charter schools, today announced they have already collected more 100,000 signatures in support of a 2016 ballot measure — more than three weeks ahead of schedule.

“Massachusetts voters are sending a clear message: every child deserves the same opportunity to attend a great public charter school in their community,” said Eileen O’Connor, a spokesperson for Great Schools Massachusetts. “If the legislature doesn’t take meaningful action by the end of session, we’re confident that the voters will take a stand for the 37,000 families that are stuck on public charter school waiting lists.”

Since launching the campaign with a State House rally just over a month ago, Great Schools Massachusetts has held regional organizing kickoff events in Springfield, Lawrence, Brockton, and New Bedford — all communities with waiting lists for charter schools.

“The cap is bad for kids. It’s not fair to families. And it’s hurting our communities,” said Lee Alexander, a Boston parent who volunteers with Great Schools Massachusetts.

Recent polling shows that that two-thirds of Massachusetts voters support lifting the cap on the number of public charter schools in the Commonwealth. In addition, support for the specific approach of adding 12 new schools or expansions a year as outlined in both the proposed 2016 ballot question and legislation proposed by Governor Charlie Baker is supported by 63 percent of voters, compared with just 26 percent opposed.

The poll of 600 likely Massachusetts voters was conducted by Moore Research from June 25-30, 2015. The poll was commissioned by Families for Excellent Schools, a member of the Great Schools Massachusetts coalition.