Applications filed in 5 counties to open 11 new public charter schools

Child sitting in a classroom (Photo by Novus SMART)¶

Last July supporters of Novus SMART Academy (K-8) came just one vote short of approval when the Rutherford County School Board voted 4 to 3 against their application to open the public charter school.¶

Novus SMART would have provided students with a co-teaching model in literacy and math along with a science, math, arts/electives, research, and technology (SMART) focus, but ultimately board members rejected it because of concerns about the financial impact a fourth charter school in the county might create.¶

“I don’t want to deny a charter school because I do believe in parental choice but at the same time, we have to look at fiscal impact it is causing right now,” said board member Frances Rosales before casting the deciding vote.¶