Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg gave $2.5 million to the group trying to beat back a ballot question that would eliminate the MCAS test as a graduation requirement, offering a significant infusion into the heated campaign just ahead of Election Day.
Bloomberg’s seven-figure donation is the largest contribution the “Vote No on 2’’ campaign has received, and accounts for more than half of the $4.8 million it has reported raising this election cycle, state data show.
It’s not the billionaire’s first time pouring money into a Massachusetts ballot campaign. Bloomberg donated $490,000 in 2016 to a failed ballot question that would have expanded charter schools in Massachusetts.
If approved by voters, Question 2 would repeal a provision of the state’s landmark 1993 education law that makes earning a high school diploma contingent on students passing MCAS exams in English, math, and science. In its place, the ballot measure would establish a new mandate: Students would need to complete coursework certified by their districts in those subjects that meet state academic standards. The state would be able to add new subjects to that list.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association, the state’s largest teachers union, has pushed the initiative, arguing the mandate causes schools to focus too much on test prep and those subjects covered by the MCAS. It also contends the requirement inflicts too much anxiety on students, unfairly punishes students who are poor test takers, and is potentially discriminatory.
Opponents of the question, including Governor Maura Healey, have argued that the MCAS graduation requirement has helped boost Massachusetts schools from the middle of the pack nationwide to the top. The business-backed group opposing the initiative has pulled donations from other wealthy contributors, including New Balance chairman Jim Davis, who gave $250,000 this month, and Bain Capital’s Paul Edgerley, who gave $100,000.
But Bloomberg’s is by far the largest. The Medford native made the donation on Oct. 22; the campaign disclosed it in a report filed Friday afternoon.
WBUR first reported the contribution.
“Mike Bloomberg has been a fierce advocate on issues affecting children, such as reducing gun violence and improving education,’’ Dominic Slowey, a spokesperson for the “Vote No on 2’’ campaign, said in a statement. “We appreciate that he is supporting our broad and bipartisan coalition of teachers, parents, education and business organizations, and elected officials in opposition to Question 2.’’
James Vaznis of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
Matt Stout can be reached at matt.stout@globe.com. Follow him @mattpstout.