The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a fiscal-minded think-tank, will also have a seat on the council.

“For our communities and our economy to prosper, we have to maintain and enhance the state’s standing as the nation’s K-12 education leader and we cannot do that with a patchwork of graduation requirements that vary from school to school and that exacerbate achievement gaps,” said Doug Howgate, foundation president.

This November, voters in Massachusetts may be asked to approve or reject a number of proposals that either create new or amend existing state laws. These proposals, known as initiative petitions, are currently under consideration by the State Legislature. If the Legislature does not take action on a petition, it is placed before voters for their consideration.