Most Boston Mayoral Candidates Favor More Charter Schools

Choice works, even in Massachusetts

The majority of Boston's 12 candidates for mayor support adding more charter schools in the city, testament to the growing momentum to expand independent schools.

At an education forum Thursday night, seven candidates said they would push to lift a cap on the number of charter schools, which are underwritten by tax dollars but run separately from traditional Boston public schools. Several candidates expressed enthusiastic support for charter schools because they said the institutions have fostered needed innovation and creativity in education.

"How can you limit something that works?" asked John Barros, a former School Committee member. "How can you limit something that is teaching our children and making progress?"