30 Failing Schools in Massachusetts Face Takeover

By James Vaznis Globe Staff / July 2, 2009

The Patrick administration, in a sharp deviation from previous state policy, will seek legislative approval to take over about 30 of the state’s worst schools and dramatically weaken their teacher contracts, as part of the governor’s effort to overhaul public education.

The move took superintendents, school committees, and teachers by surprise because the state has long been hesitant to usurp local control, a tradition that dates back to Colonial times. State education leaders have preferred to work with local leaders and have allowed them to take the lead in developing and executing turnaround plans.

Glenn Koocher, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, said the changes, which would require legislative approval, represent the “most extraordinary extension of power in state education history.’’

But Secretary of Education Paul Reville said the state needs to be more aggressive, as many of the state’s worst schools continue to flounder. He did not disclose which schools are being targeted, but said there are about 30, mostly in urban areas.

“We have not moved quickly enough to turn around underperforming schools,’’ Reville said. “For each year that goes by where students are not learning at the rate and pace they should be, that’s a tragic loss for students, parents, and the state.’’

The governor plans to file legislation this month to enact the changes, Reville said. Reville has been discussing the proposal with some legislators, professional groups, and other stakeholders in recent weeks.

The state has threatened schools with takeovers in the past, but has never followed through. Reville said Massachusetts law allows state officials to take over entire districts, a strategy used at least once, but is ambiguous about the takeover of individual schools. While the federal No Child Left Behind Act authorizes states to seize control of failing schools, it remains unclear whether that trumps state law.

Patrick’s legislation would change state law to allow the state commissioner to waive portions of union contracts at these schools, eliminating provisions that state officials say could block the school’s turnaround....

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