[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6265082,"mediaKeyId","3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9","parentId",3095323,"title","MNPS celebrates students, magnet conference and rising graduates; announces student application deadline and composting pilot results","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",596000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9&start=596&end=596","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9/thumbnail_596000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6265082/Tennessee/MNPS-celebrates-students-magnet-conference-and-rising-graduates-announces-student-application-deadline-and-composting-pilot-results","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265082-fe50b0a5b4197ea225f19ba1b77d16f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418338&Signature=MCX-Z5q1BgvjdZLNF3dS11KY9tCEv9DSzrtvJwe9SbsuVdMUOIpJPK1iUilVFqREa9-5bJ98MOInqKwGoYqVdwFF2E9v~ttLM3rkh5ZJP6~bRRkqHRcOuL3b~gjPJ2NqYw2xb-bLjsQ5LAnsS373XbzoQfnT1QG2WvMTzHzuOA5KZK3x5dyIfUIjxSzGGvKTDMTL8puQ0ocpI8PSpMi4VbDwxwqTdzTanndOx5i8QpvVgqMix0Ctt50rVElwFIJ3lYXL~xgnaK3~13OUN-YURxaT1gdPTCEGbPh1NsU0oip2Q~TCj9tH3L8-PcbW~VU2rxKxYom9JvNIOuOBEKwy6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools","date","2025-04-23T13:00:10Z","article","Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools used its April board meeting to recognize student and staff achievements, celebrate hosting the national Magnet Schools of America conference and announce several district items for the public.

Superintendent Battle (listed in the meeting as Doctor Battle) led awards and recognitions, noting the district hosted the Magnet Schools of America national conference with more than 1,800 participants and strong local staff volunteer participation. The district credited 85 MNPS staffers and many school‑based volunteers for supporting 46 school tours and a wide slate of student performances and displays. The Magnet Schools of America president told the district it was “truly the best conference ever,” according to the superintendent’s remarks. The superintendent recognized the magnet schools assistance program team led by chief of academics and schools Renita Perry and program lead Regina Eder.

The board honored a long list of valedictorians and salutatorians from MNPS high schools. The superintendent and communications staff highlighted a number of students awarded full‑ride scholarships — including several identified as Nashville Vanderbilt Scholars who will attend Vanderbilt University on full scholarships — and students who earned associate degrees through early college programs. Selected recognitions included state championships, student artwork displayed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and teacher and administrator awards.

During announcements, board members reminded the public about application deadlines: MNPS is accepting applications for the student junior board member position (rising juniors eligible) with an application deadline listed as 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 (as stated at the meeting). A board member also noted that the mayor’s state of the city address is on May 1 and seats were reserved for board members who should arrive early.

The district also shared results from a composting pilot in several MNPS schools: staff reported that participating schools redirected 3,620 pounds of food from the landfill into compost, with Westin Middle School diverting the most food waste per student among participating schools. The superintendent said pilot results support continued composting work in MNPS.

The recognitions portion concluded with group photos and congratulations; the meeting then moved to public participation and the charter application agenda items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","04/22/25 MNPS Board of Education","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent and board recognized award‑winning students and staff, listed dozens of valedictorians and salutatorians, highlighted the recent Magnet Schools of America conference hosted in Nashville, and the district shared results from a school composting pilot. The board also reminded the public of application deadlines and upcoming events.","taxTitle","Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",69334,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265086,"MNPS board denies Rocketship Tennessee No. 5 application amid concerns about prior network performance and local need",374,6866000,7240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9&start=6866&end=7240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9/thumbnail_6866000.jpg","/articles/6265086/Tennessee/MNPS-board-denies-Rocketship-Tennessee-No-5-application-amid-concerns-about-prior-network-performance-and-local-need","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265086-4e1e40e0a3a4762c625f2fb6c748627a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418338&Signature=Yk-gz8CG8l9Ai-8mKGwJFKZiov9i7c-dxuRnUsL24950N9lM0TrPOnWYm1clH4cXS8hJmPPokJIY-VciNEOweM~1ckbZJuMvSMMnF2g5VmSUS6l~VLjy2j6-K7WUZyeE-~ZuMqC8RVEY4eM2XO-gZuUhRyeNgiKdbRXlHaGzCsQh04dhEt2Q7-gnvrTEfAMseHeivGPKin2Iv9YMOA4JAHv3EQK~2wjBX-vrodv0ApkP7zYceGqo47Vh9wtZgpmdUyvvbz~bBigHXJbW0FlpJKJZ0JsM215xmXXas7wYl9X1GqTg-7oQ-YkhAgmkD-hXFsTEoPX-jzcNTRg2en-fzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Board of Education denied Rocketship Tennessee No. 5’s new‑start charter application following a charter office review that raised concerns about location rationale, facilities costs and the network’s recent performance history.

MNPS staff said the proposed K–5 school — planned for Antioch/Cane Ridge clusters with a capacity of 576 students — did not present a clear rationale for the chosen location given an existing Rocketship campus and other charter options nearby. Staff also told the board that the facility cost estimates relied on past construction experience and did not include the new storm shelter requirements identified in the International Building Code (IBC) section referenced in the presentation. Reviewers expressed concern about which network schools were included in the financial health review and noted that the network has had delayed openings, a closure for low enrollment and a recent nonrenewal due to academic underperformance elsewhere in the portfolio.

Member Maze moved to deny the application; Member Tyler seconded. During discussion board members pointed to district investments to add seats in the Cane Ridge/Antioch area and questioned whether opening another charter campus was necessary when the district is planning new capacity. Members also highlighted the charter review’s portfolio concerns — including a previously denied application and a school that had been nonrenewed for academic underperformance — as factors that weighed against approval. The motion to deny passed unanimously.

The decision was final for this meeting; Rocketship or other applicants may pursue other authorization routes or submit additional evidence in future application cycles. MNPS staff supplied the board with the charter review report and the rubric sections the applicant would need to improve if seeking authorization in the future.","The board voted to deny Rocketship Tennessee No. 5’s K–5 application after staff raised questions about the choice of location, alignment with district capacity plans, storm‑shelter construction costs and the network’s past school performance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265091,"Board denies Forge School charter application citing enrollment, facility and budget uncertainties",104,6546000,6650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9&start=6546&end=6650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9/thumbnail_6546000.jpg","/articles/6265091/Tennessee/Board-denies-Forge-School-charter-application-citing-enrollment-facility-and-budget-uncertainties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265091-d1c2f6d65df3a77ca58a51a8f51839cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418338&Signature=V9gv8Vyjn1j6WaQLBZlb7lrp5Jw9Q4OZ3fIzokLXH8OYwdwnqEGXqyR5R7N5ZDsCqLm4tpUpyu5TdngmpnSl15odvj0l2Bqv1Eepctb3li2zNW0-4xdMKLrrhczKsDlzQhNswq5W20Y0r~f5r6z1DSjhSBj9Xe-8x1k0qgElNlf8DyC5y~lCQw0XVq5DSQ3RWEsbt3zHWxrExYwzB1W4zJGfl0CUwZU~lQJ6V3wbMkfEhTj0qsjvh7PVX49Wc~lcROwdp0-DK~UDEvbpT1AeGOi93Rl3n1OA9wELhZTdXeJuNCOViX3MqSp7Q29VutpSFxErSATcrQCTeQBC3xR-hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Board of Education voted to deny the Forge School’s new‑start charter application after MNPS staff highlighted multiple shortcomings in the application.

MNPS staff told the board the Forge School, proposed as a grades 6–12 career‑connected learning school in the Donaldson‑Hermitage area, “partially meets standard” across applicable rubric sections. The charter review flagged an enrollment plan that did not account for nearby charter openings or the impact of shifting grade configurations, an incomplete contingency facility plan, and a startup timeline missing responsible parties and realistic milestones. The review also said the application’s financial plan did not allocate adequate funding for tenant improvements, student supplies or renovation costs and listed the financial director hire in year three, raising concerns about early‑years fiscal capacity.

Vice Chair Nabal Kinney moved to deny the Forge School application; Member O'Hara Block seconded the motion. Board discussion focused on recruitment and enrollment demand in the proposed geography, prior challenges other new charters faced securing a facility and starting on time, and the need for a clearer, more robust operating budget. The motion to deny passed unanimously.

The board and staff pointed to specific sections of the charter rubric the applicant should address if it seeks to resubmit. MNPS staff also noted the district’s existing portfolio of alternative learning centers, Simon Youth Academy sites and other pathway options that serve students with nontraditional needs; several board members asked applicants to explain more fully how a new charter would duplicate, complement or extend those existing options.

As with other denied applications, the Forge School applicant may submit an amended application to MNPS within the timeframes established by state rule; the charter office will review any amended submission and return a recommendation to the board.","The MNPS charter office rated the Forge School application as partially meeting standards and the board voted to deny the application, citing insufficient enrollment rationale, incomplete facility contingency planning and gaps in the budget and startup timeline.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_46":105,"_48":106,"_50":107,"_52":108,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":109,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":110,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6265097,"MNPS board denies Rock Academy charter application after staff report flags gaps in special‑education, EL and finance plans",231,5559000,5790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9&start=5559&end=5790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3095323-d20b7d6e333155b76b3e30c1fc476aa9/thumbnail_5559000.jpg","/articles/6265097/Tennessee/MNPS-board-denies-Rock-Academy-charter-application-after-staff-report-flags-gaps-in-specialeducation-EL-and-finance-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6265097-b2307356c22875f706884e1b0857cb0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418338&Signature=a~MieEu905PzBAg3z8-6uBvMCT~4efcZq8ZcLsKF3u0ShbNqneqg6VLaXI4ASfPJcUCw2J0gHLvqMSnZXwknD8N~HYZl9r12iRgj2pP8BZMdb0WU6jvzQ3278PYgX8Nl4iWY6hvRDaGZsgKAfARalgtygYBspxPXb45if3GTiqrKFQppkG8dpHl-73-m68vpYg60rsq2tyTzrdRsVbbqnwFWlXQQnLK11S2YXr4wLdD-bC1rl2duEa-QrGO9eDm63irDpiWQ1o0FyDRqDX8Qtyij60yP1VPO64-MTT45JxFlSkHBh0LdD78LUfzRUZItp90uE43PYDLJK7y36iJAGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metro Nashville Public Schools Board of Education voted to deny the Rock Academy’s new‑start charter application after the district’s charter review team found multiple deficiencies in academics, operations and finance.

The board acted after a presentation from the MNPS charter office that rated the Rock Academy’s overall application as “partially meets standard.” Sharika Roby Grant, MNPS director of charter schools, told the board the application “included service models for English learners that are not fully aligned with current state identification guidelines” and “lacked clarity on diploma pathways for students with disabilities.” The report also flagged concerns about the applicant’s facility timeline, startup transportation plan, and the financial strategy for moving to a permanent facility in year five.

The Rock Academy, proposed as a grades 9–12 opportunity charter with a planned enrollment capacity of 333 students, was described by public speakers as intended to reach “opportunity youth” before they leave school. Dr. Ahmed White, identified in public comment as the founder of Rock Academy, said the school’s model “blends trauma informed care, career connected learning, and authentic relationships” and that it was meant to “get to students before they fall through the cracks.” Lakita Sims, introduced as the founding operations director, told the board, “We wanna be that place to go” for students who have been chronically absent, in foster care or involved with the court system.

Board members raising questions cited the charter office’s findings. Reviewers noted the application did not fully document how it would meet Tennessee rules for identifying and serving English learners, did not clearly describe diploma pathways and accommodations for students with disabilities, and offered limited detail about CTE programming and transportation for city‑wide recruitment. MNPS staff also pointed out the application’s budget did not adequately budget for tenant improvements or account for inflation in later years.

Several board members said they were intrigued by the concept of an “opportunity” charter targeted to high‑needs students but agreed the current application lacked sufficient detail to ensure rigorous services and fiscal sustainability. The charter office reminded the board that the state’s opportunity‑school law requires verification of at‑risk status and that an approved opportunity charter must maintain a specified share of at‑risk students over a three‑year period. Roby Grant summarized the statutory standard for authorizing: \"to be eligible for approval, an application must earn a rating of meets or exceeds standard for each applicable section and on the overall application evaluation rating.\"

A motion to deny the Rock Academy application was made by Member O'Hara Block and seconded by Member Elrod. The motion passed; the board reported the tally as 8 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention on the motion to deny. The board provided applicants with the charter office’s written findings and identified the application sections that need revision if an amended application is submitted to the district.

The denial does not permanently bar the applicant: under state law, an applicant that receives written grounds for denial can submit an amended application within 30 days; MNPS then has 60 days to act on an amended submission.","The Metro Nashville Public Schools board voted to deny the Rock Academy’s new‑start charter application after the district’s charter office found shortcomings in academic services for English learners and students with disabilities, facility and transportation plans, and the financial transition to a permanent site.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MNPS celebrates students, magnet conference and rising graduates; announces student application deadline and composting pilot results

MNPS board denies Rocketship Tennessee No. 5 application amid concerns about prior network performance and local need

Board denies Forge School charter application citing enrollment, facility and budget uncertainties

MNPS board denies Rock Academy charter application after staff report flags gaps in special‑education, EL and finance plans