Question 2 on the November ballot would allow the state to approve 12 new Commonwealth charter
schools every year forever, eventually draining billions of dollars from our local public schools. The
initiative would encourage charters to expand into areas where they don’t exist now, taking critical
resources away from successful public schools.
The MTA is a key backer of the Save Our Public Schools campaign to defeat Question 2. Save Our Public
Schools is a grassroots coalition of education, parent, student and community groups that oppose lifting
the cap on privately run, publicly funded Commonwealth charter schools.
VOTE NO
on Lifting the Charter Cap!
Why Lifting the Cap Is Bad for Public School Students
BAD FOR OUR SCHOOLS
NO on 2 q
LOST FUNDING
This year alone, charters will divert more than $450 million from public schools. That’s money districts desperately
need so they can offer more science, technology, art and music classes, as well as preschool services and smaller
class sizes. The money should be kept in the public schools for the benefit of all students.
NO LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Charter schools are not accountable to their local communities. The state often approves them over the united
opposition of the communities where they will be located. That’s wrong. Local communities should have the final
say on what kinds of schools they want.
‘SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL’ EDUCATION
Charter schools are divisive, creating a two-track system described by the NAACP as “separate and unequal.”
They typically underserve English language learners and special needs students, leaving public schools with fewer
resources to educate a higher-need population.
How You Can Help
Pro-charter groups have millions of dollars from hedge funds and corporate backers. We are relying on people
power to fight this assault on public education. There are many ways that you can help. Local associations are
holding community forums and canvassing, and MTA offices around the state are hosting phone banks. Please talk
to your local association president today about how you can help!
