Gov. Charlie Baker files bill to expand the Springfield, M ‘empowerment zone’ model for schools statewide

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker filed legislation to expand the Springfield, MA “empowerment zone” model for education statewide. In the empowerment zone schools, principals and a teacher leadership team have broad discretion over things like scheduling, school budgets, hiring, working conditions, curriculum, and professional development. Under Baker’s bill, a superintendent, mayor, local teachers’ union, school committee members, teachers, or a group of parents could initiate the process to create an “Innovation Partnership Zone.” Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and School Superintendent Daniel Warwick both voiced support for Baker’s bill and said the model has helped Springfield. Read more.