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