MA: Governor floats plan for more autonomous schools

Boston Globe June 12, 2008

Governor Deval Patrick proposed a new type of public school, "readiness schools", as a centerpiece of an education plan to be fully released later this month. These schools would be governed by local boards that are free from constraints of unions, school boards, districts and the state. They would have authority on matters ranging from curriculum and teacher hiring to the length of the school year. The plan is being scrutinized by union leaders who are wary of the effect of the new schools on collective bargaining agreements.