BOSTON (WHDH) — Massachusetts voters have rejected a ballot measure that would have expanded the number of charter schools in Massachusetts by up to a dozen a year.
Residents voted 62 percent no to 38 percent yes to the measure that would have added up to 12 charter schools to the state each 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.
Supporters of a ballot initiative to add up to a dozen new charter schools in Massachusetts say they’re “disappointed” with strong opposition to their campaign.
Their statement falls short of an outright concession — but the results don’t bode well for proponents.
With about 40 percent of the votes counted, “no” votes led by nearly 25 points.
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