Rocketship Education Tennessee Board seeks governance shift and fifth grade addition

In a significant move aimed at enhancing local governance and educational continuity, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission discussed amendments for Rocketship Dream Community Prep and Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary during its recent meeting. The proposed changes, which include transferring governance from the national board to local Tennessee boards, are designed to better align the schools with community needs and improve decision-making processes.

Rocketship Dream Community Prep, currently serving students from kindergarten through fourth grade, is seeking to expand its offerings by adding a fifth grade. This change is intended to create a smoother transition for students moving into middle school, as local district models have shifted to a K-5 structure. Alongside this expansion, the school aims to increase its maximum enrollment from 560 to 630 students. The local board believes that this governance shift will allow for more responsive and localized decision-making, reflecting the needs and desires of the Tennessee community.

The amendment also includes a detailed budget and operational plan, demonstrating strong support from parents, staff, and the community. The school has shown promising academic results, earning a B letter grade and a composite score of 5 in the previous school year, which further underscores the potential benefits of these changes.

Commissioners expressed confidence in the local board's ability to oversee the school effectively, noting that while the governance structure is changing, the support from the national board will remain intact. This ensures that the school will continue to receive necessary academic, operational, and financial assistance.

The committee unanimously voted to forward the amendment petition to the full commission for further consideration, with a formal governance shift planned for July 1, 2025. This decision reflects a broader commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement within Tennessee's charter school system.

In addition, Rocketship Nashville Northeast Elementary is also pursuing a similar governance change, reinforcing the trend towards local control in charter school management. Both schools are poised to benefit from these adjustments, which aim to foster a more responsive educational environment for students and families in the community.