MNPS board denies three amended new‑start charter applications after lengthy review

NASHVILLE — The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Board of Education voted this week to deny three amended new‑start charter applications after the district’s charter office and board reviewers found deficiencies in academic plans, operations capacity and financial projections.

The board voted separately on each application: the motion to deny the Forge School passed 8–1; the motion to deny Rocketship Tennessee No. 5 passed unanimously; and the motion to deny the Rock Academy passed 7–2. The votes followed presentations from MNPS charter office staff, public comments from applicants and supporters, and extensive discussion among board members.

The charter office’s executive director, Dr. Sharika Roby Grant, told the board that the review team used the Tennessee Department of Education rubric and that the amended applications did not reach the required ratings. “To be eligible for approval, an application must earn a rating of meets or exceeds standard for each applicable section and the overall application evaluation rating,” Roby Grant said, summarizing the team’s conclusion that the three amended applications were ineligible under TDOE guidance.

Board members cited recurring concerns in the review team reports: insufficient demonstration of need and community support, gaps in recruitment and enrollment plans, unclear special‑education and admissions processes, incomplete facilities and transportation plans, and budget shortfalls. For the Rock Academy, board members highlighted an annual operating gap the charter office said remained unresolved — a shortfall board members referenced in discussion as roughly $1.1 million to $1.4 million annually, with a first‑year operating gap identified in the application of about $400,000.

Applicants and supporters disputed some of the findings. Dr. Ameed White, who identified himself as a founder of the Rock Academy, said the project had been revised and that the team had secured additional commitments: “Since our resubmission in the past two weeks, we’ve also received an additional $250,000 in addition to the over $1,000,000 we’ve already committed,” White said. Lakita Sims, a supporter, said the group had knocked on more than 1,300 doors, gathered signatures and identified eligible students.

Board members split over policy and practical concerns. Several members emphasized districtwide fiscal and capacity responsibilities, saying MNPS must weigh the budgetary impact of new charter seats on existing schools. Member Elrod said the board must consider district obligations beyond the academic rubric, including capital plans and long‑term budget effects. Member Taylor, representing a district with students advocates said would be served by the Rock Academy, pressed for collaboration and said some students need alternatives not currently reached by district programs. “There are kids that for whatever reason… the academies, the alternative learning centers, juvenile justice services aren’t reaching those kids,” Taylor said.

The board heard background from charter office staff that the original applications had been denied in April and that each applicant was allowed to resubmit amended applications. Roby Grant reminded the board that under Tennessee law the local board must approve or deny an amended application within 60 days of receipt; failure to act within that window results in automatic approval by statute. She also noted applicants may appeal a local denial to the Tennessee Public Charter Commission within 10 days.

Votes at a glance

- Forge School (amended new‑start application): Motion to deny approved 8–1. Review team concerns included parent and community engagement, recruitment and enrollment, facilities and the operating budget. Motion: deny the amended application based on review team findings (moved by a board member; seconded by Member Fane). Outcome: motion approved; amended application denied by MNPS; applicant may appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter Commission.

- Rocketship Tennessee No. 5 (amended new‑start application): Motion to deny approved unanimously. Review team concerns included academic plan and performance record, recruitment and enrollment, parent and community engagement; operations improved to meet standard in one area but academics and finance remained partially meeting standard. Motion: deny the amended application (moved by a board member; seconded by Member Tyler). Outcome: motion approved; amended application denied by MNPS; applicant may appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter Commission.

- Rock Academy (amended new‑start application): Motion to deny approved 7–2. Review team concerns included school calendar and schedule, recruitment and enrollment, facilities, transportation and operating budget; reviewers reported remaining financial and operational gaps. Motion: deny the amended application (moved by Member Payne; seconded by Vice Chair Nabal Kinney). Outcome: motion approved; amended application denied by MNPS; applicant may appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter Commission.

Board members and charter‑office staff encouraged applicants and community members to use the public record and the rubric findings to guide revisions should applicants pursue a state appeal. Roby Grant reminded the board that the charter office’s ratings were based on TDOE guidance and that the board’s vote is the final local determination.

The board also acknowledged public testimony from several community members who urged the board to approve new options for students the speakers described as chronically absent, at risk of dropping out or underserved by existing programs. Board members said they would continue internal discussions about how MNPS might expand or better advertise alternative programming and partnerships that could reach the students public speakers described.

The denials do not end the process. Each applicant may appeal to the Tennessee Public Charter Commission, which can overturn local denials. Roby Grant told the board the commission has 10 days after a denial to receive an appeal. The MNPS charter office will continue to publish its review findings and to receive community questions about the process and the rubric.

The board moved on after the votes to routine business and other agenda items.