Two new proposed Massachusetts charter schools, including one in the western portion of the state, appear to be moving forward.Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester said Tuesday he would ask the state education board at its meeting next week to sign off on the Libertas Academy Charter School in Springfield and the New Heights Charter School in Brockton.
Chester didn't recommend final approval for two other proposed charters that reached finalist status, one in the Fitchburg area and one near Sturbridge.
Charter schools have been a topic of intense discussion at the Statehouse. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker actively supports a proposed November ballot question that would ease state caps on the schools.
Charter schools are public schools that are largely independent from local school districts. Critics argue they drain financial resources from traditional schools.
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