Mayor Jon Mitchell questioned the effectiveness the proposed City on a Hill Charter School would have on students in New Bedford.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing in the city Thursday night, and listened to the opinions of officials and concerned residents regarding the Boston-based charter school's proposal to locate in New Bedford.

Mayor Mitchell says City on a Hill may work in Boston, but failing students don't have the same opportunities here in New Bedford.

Mitchell also questioned the school's funding, saying the money stays with the charter school if a student drops out.

New Bedford Educator's Association President Lou St. John says City on a Hill's track record speaks for itself.

Last night was one of eight hearings the DESE is holding across the state on the eleven charter schools proposed for the Commonwealth.

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