Bill > H657

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts education law to change collaboration requirements for Horace Mann charter schools and innovation schools. Specifically, the bill removes previous language that exempted 14 new Horace Mann charter schools from requiring an agreement with the local collective bargaining unit before board approval. Instead, these schools will now need to develop a memorandum of understanding with the school committee and local union regarding any waivers to collective bargaining agreements. For innovation schools, the bill establishes a new process where the applicant, local union, and superintendent must negotiate waivers or modifications to existing collective bargaining agreements necessary to implement an innovation plan. After these negotiations, the innovation plan must be submitted to teachers for a secret ballot vote, requiring a two-thirds approval to proceed. If the two-thirds vote is not achieved, the local union and superintendent can revise the plan and submit it for another vote. This legislation aims to increase collaboration and input from teachers and unions in the development and implementation of charter and innovation school plans.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H657