Governor Urges Business and Civic Leaders to Advocate for Reforms to Accompany Increases in Education Funding

May 14, 2019 – Governor Baker attended a convening of more than 150 business and civic leaders this morning to show his support for their position that increased education funding be accompanied with additional reforms and better outcomes. In his remarks, the Governor outlined his school reform proposals and called on attendees to advocate for continued educational improvements.

The meeting was convened by Boston Leaders for Education with support from the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.

“Too many of our students are graduating high school unprepared for college and the workforce,” said Ed Lambert., Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.  “We’re going to continue to organize and unite the business community to ensure school funding reform legislation includes not just money, but also measures that will lead to dramatic improvements for students.”

In March, leaders representing large employers, business associations, civil rights groups, parent groups, and civic associations from across the state signed onto a letter to the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House stating their agreement that more money for education is needed, but that money alone will not resolve persistent achievement gaps.

The Governor summarized his proposals this morning including expansion of early college and career pathway programs, a “best practices” grant fund, expansion of empowerment zones that provide greater flexibility and autonomy to school leaders, and reforms to the way district schools are reimbursed for the loss of students to charter schools.

The speaking program included Chuck Longfield of Boston Leaders for Education; Ed Lambert; Marty Walz, former House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education; Massachusetts Parents United founder Keri Rodrigues; and, Chris Gabrieli, Chair of the Board of Higher Ed and CEO of Empower Schools.

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