NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission unanimously overturned Metro Nashville Public Schools denials of Music City Academy and The Gate School on Friday, opening two new charter pathways for Nashville students after the commission executive director recommended authorizing both schools.
The decisions became the commission second and third district reversals in the past two years, reaching a threshold that now permits future Nashville public charter school applicants to choose whether to apply directly to the commission or to begin with Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Commission members came to different conclusions than Metro after independently reviewing both schools academic, operational, and financial plans. Executive director Tess Stovall found that Music City Academy met or exceeded the state scoring rubric in each key area and would bring a sports-aligned, career-connected learning model to Nashville students.
Commissioners rejected the district argument that Music City Academy would create a substantial negative fiscal impact. Commission Vice Chair Lauren Smith said she would only consider approving a charter school in Nashville if she felt it was excellent and she had confidence it would succeed, and that she felt that way about the application.
The commission reached the same conclusion for The Gate School. Stovall found that its application met or exceeded state standards and highlighted discussion-based instruction, experienced leadership, community demand, transportation planning, and governing board strength. Commission Chair Chris Richards said Friday approval of two new start appeals out of Metro Nashville Davidson County will trigger a new pathway for direct applications to the commission.
Separately, the commission has been hearing facilities concerns facing new charters. Chair Chris Richards said finding facilities is the single biggest thing the panel consistently hears about with new schools, and Real estate in Nashville is difficult no matter what operators try to do with a building. Those facility hurdles frame the next challenge for newly approved Nashville, Tenn., operators even after Friday votes.
