In his weekly appearance on WBSM, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell discussed why the City agreed to a new expansion plan for the Alma del Mar charter school.
Mass. mayors have joined a liberal coalition of public education groups calling for an additional $1 billion in the budget for special ed and less for charters.
The first member of the City Council to oppose the expansion of charter schools is Hugh Dunn. Mayor Mitchell and former Mayor Lang also oppose this expansion.
Could the city of New Bedford use more seats for students in charters schools? Yes is the answer. But can the city afford to offer more charter school seats?
Earlier this week, New Bedford Schools Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin outlined her initial budget proposal, asking for nearly $147 million, including over $7 million more in enhancements. In his weekly appearance on WBSM, Mayor Jon Mitchell said it's too soon to tell if the City will be able to fund the requested budget.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has taken issue with Governor Charlie Baker's latest recommendation for state aid to local schools.
The Governor recommended increasing Chapter 70 funding by just 2.6 percent, the lowest growth since education reform passed in 1993...