Lawmakers to Hear Proposals on Charter Schools, Common Core

BOSTON (AP) — Two proposed ballot questions that could strongly influence public education in Massachusetts will be aired on Beacon Hill.

One of the measures scheduled for a hearing Monday before the Education Committee would allow up to a dozen new or expanded charter schools each year outside of existing state caps.

The other proposal would remove Massachusetts from a consortium of U.S. states that adopted Common Core education standards.

Both measures could go before voters in November unless lawmakers approve them.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker strongly favors allowing more charter schools. About 34,000 Massachusetts children are on charter school waiting lists.

Democratic legislative leaders have indicated a willingness to debate charter school legislation, though likely not the current proposal.