BOSTON (WHDH) - Voters have rejected a ballot measure that would have expanded the number of charter schools in Massachusetts by up to a dozen a year.

Proponents had expressed disappointment earlier Tuesday evening.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker had campaigned for the referendum. Baker says in a statement that he’s proud of those who fought to create more charter schools in the state “to provide more education choices for students stuck in struggling districts.”

Opponents had argued that the measure would have drained resources away from traditional public schools.

The Yes on 2 campaign released the following statement to 7News:

Although we are disappointed with tonight’s result, the work being done by Massachusetts best-in-the-nation public charter schools continues.  These great schools will continue to provide first-rate education choices to kids stuck in failing schools. The creation of the charter movement, and the effort to reform a system that has changed so little in a hundred years isn’t easy, but we know the thousands of parents, teachers and students that have fueled this campaign will press on.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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