Demonstrators Protest Academic Distress Commission

More than 100 protesters marched to the Statehouse yesterday, opposing a provision in the state budget bill allowing mayors to take over school districts with the help of the state schools superintendent. The provision would allow the appointment of what is called an "academic distress commission" if the districts alter student data. The protestors say the plan blocks the voters from electing their school board representatives, and opens public schools up to takeovers by private enterprise.