After months of heated debate and passionate arguments for and against Innovation Schools, the New Bedford School Committee held its vote on the two proposals Monday.

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After an hour of debate, the board approved the Renaissance School with a 4-3 vote, but the dual-language Esperanza School failed 3-4. Mayor Jon Mitchell's ballot was split, with a yes vote for Renaissance, but a no vote for Esperanza. He tells WBSM News, the time has come for a new educational approach.

United Interfaith Action leader Marsha Onufrak thinks this can be a unifying moment for the community.

The Renaissance School for Grades K-through-5, boasts a curriculum focused on arts and music development, and will be housed within the Gomes Elementary School. A lottery to select the school's first class of 130 students will take place this summer.

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