Education Commissioner Approves “City On The Hill” Charter School For New Bedford

The Mass. Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education has given his approval for five new charter schools in the state, including one in New Bedford.

Mitchell Chester has approved the application for the City On The Hill charter school to add two schools, one in Boston and one in New Bedford, in addition to their exsisting school in Roxbury.

Both Mayor Jon Mitchell and teachers union President Lou St. John were opposed to the City On The Hill application.

Mitchell outlined his opposition in a recent letter to Commissioner Chester, questioning the school's educational attainment and its graduation rates.

The application must still be approved by the state Board of Education at its February 26 meeting, but the Board almost always follows the Commissioner's recommendations.