So it begins: Business-backed group opposing MCAS ballot question rolling out $250,000 ad campaign

A group backed by business leaders and nonprofit money is rolling out an initial $250,000 advertising campaign urging Massachusetts residents to vote against a ballot proposal that would eliminate the MCAS exams as a high school graduation requirement, hinting at the pricey political fight ahead.

The digital spots are among the first ballot-question ads to spring up ahead of the November election, when voters will decide five different initiatives, the most since 2000. Each one is drawing support or opposition from special interest and advocacy groups, labor unions, and other deep-pocketed donors, meaning voters could face a deluge of advertising in the coming months.

Brian Wynne, a strategist for the group opposing the MCAS question, said his group is prepared to raise and spend millions in its campaign against the Massachusetts Teachers Association-backed initiative.

Currently, high school students have had to pass the MCAS in English, math, and science to earn a diploma. The proposal, listed as Question 2 on the November ballot, seeks to eliminate the tests as a graduation requirement.



https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/07/28/metro/mcas-ballot-question-ad-campaign-no-on-2/