The Rutherford County School Board voted June 24 to approve Novus Smart Academy’s application to open a K–8 charter school in the county.
Board members and staff noted Novus addressed issues raised in earlier reviews — particularly around startup finances and leadership structure — and increased its planned initial enrollment. District staff said the state denied a prior appeal mainly because of thin financial margins and a relatively small initial enrollment; Novus revised its application to strengthen both areas.
Public commenters and several speakers who identified themselves as Novus founders, educators, or proposed board members testified in support of the application, describing experience launching and operating schools and plans to hire support staff and assistant principals in early years. Speakers highlighted alignment with Rutherford County Schools’ strategic priorities and argued Novus would relieve overcrowding in rapidly growing areas such as Smyrna and La Verne.
The board’s discussion included questions about a lost New Schools Venture Fund grant (identified in the application as $250,000) and whether Novus remained financially viable without it. Staff replied that Novus increased its facilities budget and projected enrollment and that its founder committed to raising remaining startup funds. At one point a district official said Novus would be in the red by about $45,000 in the first year if the grant were not replaced, but that was mitigated by higher enrollment projections.
The motion to approve passed by roll call. Board members who supported the approval noted severe overcrowding in some attendance areas and said an authorized charter could ease capacity pressures without requiring district capital investment. Members opposing approval cited concerns about fairness to existing schools and the need to defer to the charter committee’s recommendation when applicable.
The district will treat Novus as an authorized Rutherford County School; district staff said they would track Novus’s progress against the application commitments and any follow-up items required by the committee or board.