Supporters make the case for Novus SMART Academy in Rutherford County

A teacher instructing young students (Photo by Novus SMART Academy)

When the Rutherford County Schools Board of Education voted to deny Novus SMART Academy’s application to become the fourth public charter school in the county last July, Colette Gunter was among those who were disappointed.

The Rutherford County grandparent believes the proposed K-8 public charter school “stands out” for its focus on personalized learning and instructional model that puts two teachers in each classroom. School founders plan to offer students a Science, Math, Arts/Electives, Research, and Technology (SMART) focus in addition to the co-teaching model.

Gunter was among the school’s supporters who spoke in favor of its appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission at a public hearing Monday morning.

Tennessee Public Charter School Center Executive Director Tess Stovall (center) listens to comments at Monday's public hearing (Screengrab)

“Novus SMART Academy is more than just a school. It’s a beacon of joy and change in how they approach education,” she said. “This innovative approach is vital for the growth and development of our children, and I am confident it will offer my grandson the support and stimulating environment he needs.”

Under state law any charter applicant that’s denied by a local school board has the ability to appeal to the commission to overturn that decision. Novus is among six proposed charters in Rutherford and Davidson County that have done just that.

Commissioners will utilize comments at Monday’s public hearing to make their decision on Novus’ appeal October 17.

Novus CEO and founder Jeremy Sager told the commission that the proposed charter school aligns with many of Rutherford County Schools’ strategic goals to improve student performance, particularly among traditionally underserved student populations and non-white students. He said recent surveys show that many families are largely in support of Novus SMART Academy, partly due to overcrowding, among other reasons.

“Novus SMART Academy is aligned to Rutherford County Schools’ strategic priority to provide early interventions that address scholars’ academic needs and support the whole child. We see an opportunity to provide high quality academic instruction and to remain a partner in this community,” said Sager.

Rutherford County Schools Board of Education members voted down the application in part because of financial concerns. Jeff McCann, Rutherford County Schools’ school choice coordinator, continued to make that argument to commissioners Monday.

Under the state’s new Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act, funding follows students to the schools they attend. McCann said because of that, the three new public charter schools opening in the county this year are redirecting more than $14 million from the district’s budget. He said that’s a problem because the district is growing fast and the state doesn’t account for new students in district funding until the following year.

McCann estimates that funding lag is roughly $11 million for Rutherford County Schools.

“So, you take that $14 million that was diverted to the three existing charter schools in Rutherford County, plus that nearly $11 million in funding for new students that we will not realize until next year, resulting in a total financial impact of $25 million for RCS,” said McCann. “That really got the attention of our board members, that $25 million figure.”

McCann didn’t discuss any potential savings the district might see from new public charter schools that will be taking over the cost for teachers, transportation, and other education expenses for students switching schools.

The commission also heard from a teacher in the district who reiterated some of McCann’s concerns.

Kelly Vaughn voiced her support for the district’s denial of Novus SMART because of financial concerns about enrollment growth, particularly in elementary schools.

“We need more teachers. We need more buildings. We don’t have the funds to do that,” she said.

Opponents of Novus SMART Academy’s appeal also made the case that enrollment has consistently increased at non-charter schools in Rutherford County, while charter schools currently operating in the area have not reached their capacity.

The commission will continue to take comments from the public online about Novus SMART until September 16.