Social media: Readers react to stories on charter school, housing and Keith Hovan

On Innovators Charter School

Following are social media comments on The New Bedford Light’s coverage of Innovators Charter School and the decision by founders on Tuesday to withdraw their application for a Grade 6-12 school in New Bedford or Fall River.

From The New Bedford Light’s Facebook page:

Kudos to those involved in stopping this takeaway from our public schools!

Steve Russell

Too bad! Mitchell, Nick Christ and Coogan allowed themselves to be manipulated on this solid proposal for a new charter school.

Craig Dutra

To Craig Dutra: Sorry, Craig but this was not a solid proposal by any definition of solid.

Anthony R. Sapienza

From the New Bedford Coalition to Save our Schools page:

The Innovators Charter School application withdrawal is a great victory for New Bedford and Fall River. I have always said that public funds should go to public schools and my focus will always be on supporting the NBPS’s 13,000 students and their families. Our community came out in force to oppose this proposed charter school and I’m sending a special thanks to the New Bedford Coalition to Save Our Schools who took the lead in organizing the people power that made this possible. There was nothing innovative about ICS. NBPS continues to make gains in STEM-based learning, early college programming, dual enrollment, and overall educational outcomes for New Bedford children. Now we continue our fight to bring the full resources of the Student Opportunity Act to New Bedford schools. This was the right decision. #newbedford

State Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral

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On Community Preservation Act and affordable housing

New Bedford Light columnist Jack Spillane wrote about several affordable housing developments using Community Preservation Act funding in their projects.

I think these projects are great candidates for CPA monies! Some of these old, historic buildings deserve a new life. It’s a win-win as far as historic preservation and affordable housing is concerned. I hope they are successful.

Greg Jones

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On Southcoast Health trustees parting ways with CEO Keith Hovan

Thank you for your exceptional coverage, which undeniably stood out among news media. Thank you for bringing so many needed facts to the public.

Ashley Bendiksen

Thank you New Bedford Light for never giving up on this story You really need to give credit where credit is due and New Bedford Light was clearly the only news organization that kept us updated on this story thanks again …

Richie Gomes Sr.

He obviously had horrible advice. Tried playing the local inside game (which in the old days was enough) and won that Pyrrhic victory, only to lose the $2m job. Should have had top crisis management firm.

David Oliveira

Thank you for your transparent and unrelenting excellent coverage of this!

Sarah Bishop Valentine

Note: Comments from social media are edited for spelling and grammar and to remove personal attacks.

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