House begins debate on controversial education bill

The House this week will debate a key education bill that would give new powers to state and local school officials to turn around under-performing schools and increase the number of charter schools.

The House debate is expected to be intense, particularly on key provisions that would loosen the grip of teacher unions when it comes to administering poorly performing schools.

House members have filed more than 150 amendments to the bill that was drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee (H. 4410).

The House debate is expected to wrap up by the end of the week.

The MMA and local officials are supporting amendments that would reduce the financial impact of charter schools on local public schools and improve the process for approving and evaluating charter schools. The MMA is also supporting the progressive school management powers included in H. 4410 to turn around under-performing schools and amendments that would enhance these powers.

The MMA is opposing amendments that would require municipalities and school districts to sell or lease surplus school facilities to charter schools. The MMA is also opposing amendments that would weaken management powers or impose any new spending mandates.

The Senate approved its version of an education reform bill last November.

Following an expedited House-Senate conference committee, a final bill is expected to be sent to the governor by Jan. 14 so that the state can complete an application for federal “Race to the Top” grant funds by Jan. 19. These grant funds could total $250 million for Massachusetts.

• MMA letter to House members regarding the House education bill
• Download text of House 4410 (272K PDF)
• Download text of amendments to H. 4410 (564K PDF)