SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A debate is growing on a November 8th ballot question.

The group “Great Schools Massachusetts” launched their “Yes on 2” ballot campaign in Springfield Monday. Public charter school supporters want to lift the cap on enrollment,  and expand access to these schools in Massachusetts.

“In Springfield and in Holyoke, the schools are really struggling and many of them are chronically under-performing for decades,” said Rachel Romano, Executive Director & Founder of Veritas Preparatory Charter School.”Parents know that and they don’t have many options, but where they see an option they are raising their hand for it and want it.”

Romano said there are 4,000 students on charter school waiting lists in western Massachusetts and 3,000 in Springfield.Charter schools are publicly funded, but operate with more independence than traditional public schools.

There is also a strong argument against expanding access to charter schools in Massachusetts. The Springfield Education Association is one member of a large coalition urging voters to say no to ballot question number two

“If the family or child has some severe needs or challenges they face, we have to find a way to meet those needs and help them overcome those challenges,” said Tim Collins, President of the Springfield Education Association. “The charter schools send kids like that back to us.”

Collins said public schools have lost 450 million dollars in state funding to charter schools. 96 percent of students in Massachusetts attend public schools.

There are 71 charter schools in Massachusetts, educating about 32,000 total students.

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