The Beam · Issue #23
State Charter Commission Director Recommends Against Renewing Bluff City High School
Good afternoon. This week brings a stark reminder that charter accountability decisions carry real weight. When the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission meets in January, its vote on one Memphis high school will determine whether more than 400 students need to find new schools by August or whether their campus gets another chance to prove itself.
We also have a Veterans Day story with better news. Military-connected students in Tennessee are graduating at rates that lead every other student group in the state, with about a third of them attending schools in Clarksville-Montgomery County near Fort Campbell.
The Lead
State Charter Commission Director Recommends Against Renewing Bluff City High School
By Firefly Staff
If Commissioners agree in January, the Memphis public charter school would close after this school year, and its students would need new schools beginning in August 2027.
Read the full story →Although there are indications of improvement in certain areas, the results are not yet sufficient to overcome the school's overall record of inconsistent academic performance throughout the charter term.
Tess Stovall, Tennessee Public Charter School Commission Executive Director
By the numbers
Voices
Although there are indications of improvement in certain areas, the results are not yet sufficient to overcome the school's overall record of inconsistent academic performance throughout the charter term.
One fact is essential to interpreting every number that follows: incoming 9th graders arrive at Bluff City approximately four grade levels behind in both math and reading, as measured by AimsWeb diagnostics each fall. This is our starting line.
Also in this issue
What to watch
- Mon Nov 16
Public hearing on Bluff City High School charter renewal
The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission will hold a public hearing at 2:30 p.m. at the school, 4100 Ross Road. Up to 15 people may speak for two minutes each; sign-up closes at 2:30 p.m. Friday, November 13, or sooner if slots fill.
- Mon Nov 23
Deadline for written comments on Bluff City charter renewal
The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission will accept written comments on Bluff City High School's charter renewal application until 2:30 p.m.
- TBD Jan 2027
Commission vote on Bluff City High School charter renewal
Commissioners are expected to vote on whether to renew Bluff City's charter for 10 years or deny it. If denied, the school would close after this school year and its 400-plus students would need new schools beginning in August 2027.
That's a wrap on this week's Beam. We covered a charter school renewal recommendation in Memphis and graduation rates for military-connected students across Tennessee. Thank you for reading.
The Beam