The Jackson-Madison County Board of Education voted to deny the amended charter application submitted by Jackson Museum School, citing shortcomings in academic design, operations capacity and the financial plan. The board adopted a resolution to deny the amended application after hearing public comment and reports from a charter review team and the director of schools.

The resolution, read into the record by a board member, said the board found the application “partially met the standards established by the Tennessee Department of Education” but listed specific areas that failed to meet state scoring criteria. The board stated the amended application relied heavily on place-based education (PBE), described the proposed intervention and enrichment schedule as insufficient to meet Tennessee RTI requirements for literacy and math, and said the special-education implementation plan was “vague” and did not adequately describe how services for students with significant disabilities would be provided.

Why it matters: the board framed the decision as a judgment about whether approval is in the district’s and students’ best interest. The resolution cites concerns that, if unaddressed, could affect the school’s ability to serve vulnerable students and to meet state accountability requirements.

At a public meeting before the vote, supporters and opponents spoke at length. Jordan Long, who identified himself as an attorney, business owner and a proposed board member for Jackson Museum School, said, “charter schools are public schools, they take everyone, and they don't turn anybody away.” Caitlin Goodman, a proposed board member who said she would enroll her child, told the board, “It doesn't just treat the arts as an extra. It actually makes it a part of how the kids think, feel, and learn.” By contrast, speakers including retired educators and community members urged the board to deny the application, arguing the district’s wraparound services and recent academic gains should not be disrupted.

The resolution summarized the review team’s scoring: several indicators in Section 1 (academic plan and design), Section 2 (operations plan and capacity) and Section 3 (financial plan and capacity evaluation) were flagged as only “partially meets” or otherwise lacking. Specific financial concerns listed in the resolution included reliance on unsecured grants and philanthropic donations, unrealistic Title I and Title III revenue assumptions based on total enrollment rather than qualifying populations, underbudgeted compensation and benefits, and a facility cost assumption of $9–$12 per square foot without facility agreements or justification.

Board action and precedent: the resolution cites the Tennessee Public Charter Schools Act and the State Board of Education rules, and notes that under TCA 49-3-108 the Jackson Museum School has 10 calendar days to appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

The vote was recorded by roll call for the members present at the tally: Harvey Walden — yes; Shane Barnes — yes; Andre Dornell — yes; Debbie Gull — no; Glenn Gull — no; James Johnson — yes; Andrea Gibbons Moore — yes; Marsha Moss — yes. The board announced the motion carried and moved on to the next agenda item.

Board members described the meeting as vigorous and reflective of community views on both sides. Director of Schools Dr. King presented a report to the board recommending denial and the charter review team presented a written score report that the resolution attached as exhibits. The resolution was adopted at the meeting and became the board’s formal action denying the amended application.