The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission concluded this year’s charter appeal cycle with a key vote approving a new high-quality public charter school in Nashville.¶
Tennessee Nature Academy applied earlier this year to offer a nature-based education model for up to 684 middle and high school students in southeast Davidson County. The Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) board controversially rejected the academy’s application in July, leading school leaders to appeal the decision to the charter commission.¶
In a 5-3 vote, commissioners Hanson, Patterson, Richards, Tucker, and Woodson voted to overturn MNPS’s decision and approve the Tennessee Nature Academy. The commissioners acknowledged some financial concerns, but expressed confidence that the academy would address these issues, given the consistent improvements in its application.¶
“I think this will be a continued evolution,” said Commissioner Jamie Woodson. “This is one of the most exciting applications we’ve had since I’ve been on the commission.”¶
Despite the concerns of Commission Executive Director Tess Stovall—who cited an insufficient budget for special needs education and a low pay scale for teachers in the MNPS district—the commission ultimately voted in favor of the academy. However, they invoked a new law allowing the board flexibility to delay the school’s opening date. This will ensure the commission is satisfied with Tennessee Nature Academy's finances before it begins operations.¶
Denied Appeals¶
Three other charter school appeals were denied by the commission on Tuesday: Binghampton Community Schools, Tennessee Volunteer Military Academy, and the Academy of the Arts Charter High School.¶
The appeal for Binghampton Community Schools was denied due to concerns over the departure of its head of school, with commissioners upholding the denial based on Stovall’s recommendation and a lack of confidence in the school’s sponsor.¶
Tennessee Volunteer Military Academy appeal was rejected over concerns regarding its unclear plan for serving English Language Learners and students with special needs, as well as its connection to a for-profit organization. Under Tennessee law, all charter school sponsors must be non-profit.¶
The Academy of the Arts Charter High School was also denied due to concerns about enrollment and finances. Stovall questioned the school’s ability to meet enrollment standards, noting that its proposed enrollment is half that of Fayette County’s other high school. Furthermore, several grants in the academy’s proposed budget had not yet been awarded.¶
Earlier this month, the commission also denied charter appeals from proposed schools in Sumner, Williamson, and Montgomery counties. However, it approved two appeals from KIPP Nashville.¶
