Board denies two charter applications, allows 30 days for resubmission

The Rutherford County School Board on April 24 voted to deny two charter applications recommended for denial by the district’s charter review committee: Novus Smart Academy K–8 and Rocketship Tennessee (Charter School #4). Board members cited committee concerns about each application’s readiness and performance evidence as the basis for denial. In both cases, the board noted applicants may revise and resubmit an amended application within 30 days for the committee and board to review.

During the meeting, board members said denial does not end the process. Director of Schools Dr. McCann and staff explained that a denial must be reflected in a resolution and that applicants retain the right to resubmit amended applications; staff also described the committee review timeline if a resubmission is filed.

Public comment included several supporters of Rocketship. Dominique Smith, who said she is a principal in North Nashville and a founding teacher at a Rocketship campus in California, urged the board to approve Rocketship’s application, praising the charter’s emphasis on individualized instruction, family engagement and what she described as “joy” in school culture: “I ask you to please support Rocketship’s charter school application,” Smith said.

Board members who voted to deny said their actions reflected the review committee’s findings about readiness, qualifications and contract details rather than a categorical opposition to a new school model. The board’s denials were recorded as majority votes; staff told the board applicants would be allowed to resubmit within 30 days and that any resubmission would be reviewed on a 60‑day cycle before the board takes a subsequent vote.

Why it matters: Charter approvals shift students and funding from the district to independent charter operators and require the board to assess governance, academic plans and fiscal readiness. The board’s action preserves the current review process while allowing applicants an opportunity to address committee-identified deficiencies.

Ending: Applicants were notified of the denials and the 30‑day resubmission window. The board’s charter review committee will reconvene to review any amended applications and return recommendations to the full board for formal action.