Lawsuit Seeks To Lift Cap On Massachusetts Charter Schools

BOSTON (AP) — The state's cap on public charter schools is the target of a new lawsuit.

Lawyers representing five Boston students filed a class action complaint Tuesday in Suffolk Superior Court aimed at lifting the cap, which they describe as an "arbitrary impediment" to students seeking a quality education.

Lawyers say the five are among thousands of Boston students unable to attend a public charter school because they lost a lottery for open seats.

Gov. Charlie Baker is a supporter of charter school as is his Education Secretary James Peyser, who is named in the suit.

The state's teachers unions have opposed charter schools, arguing they create a two-tier public education system.

A proposed ballot question would also expand the number of charter schools.

About 80 charter schools currently operate in Massachusetts.

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