State could take over failing schools

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is preparing to seek legislative approval to take over failing schools and waive parts of teacher contracts considered as undermining efforts to improve performance.

The Boston Globe reported Thursday that the move would target about 30 unidentified schools, mostly in urban areas.

Tim Collins, President of the Springfield Education Association, told 22News such take overs only remove the decision making process from teachers and administrators who are closest to students.

Massachusetts law allows state officials to take over entire school districts, but is ambiguous about the takeover of individual schools. The federal No Child Left Behind Act authorizes states to seize control of failing schools, but it is unclear whether that trumps state law.

Patrick is launching the unusual effort as he seeks additional federal stimulus funds to revive efforts to revamp public education, which has stalled as the recession forced the state to slash spending.