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Commission reviews new-start appeals process; readies standards for opportunity and ASD transition schools
Summary
Staff outlined the commission's new-start appeals process, noting 13 active applications across five counties, a 75-day appeals review window, required capacity interviews, public hearings in the proposed geographic district, and staff plans to adapt the performance framework for opportunity public charter schools.
Beth Figueroa, director of authorizing, provided a detailed refresher of the commission's new-start appeals process and new application types the commission may see in 2025.
Figueroa said there are currently 13 active applications across five counties and described the appeals workflow: information gathering from sponsors and local education agencies, a de novo review by a review committee, a capacity interview with the sponsor, a public hearing in the proposed school's geographical district, and an executive director recommendation to commissioners. "All of this takes place within 75 days," Figueroa said, adding that the process "spans close to a year" when combined with local review timelines and preparatory steps.
Figueroa told commissioners local districts begin the cycle in December (letters of intent were filed in December 2024), with local votes on initial applications in April and on amended applications in July. If a local district denies an application, the application may come to the commission on appeal. Staff said the executive director's recommendation will be provided to commissioners ahead of the October 2025 meeting for any appeals scheduled then.
The commission also discussed two application categories with particular requirements. Opportunity public charter schools, under Tennessee Code Annotated, are designed to serve at-risk students in grades 6–12 and require that students be considered at risk at enrollment. Figueroa said staff will need to align or develop a performance framework that reflects the unique context of those schools; the Department of Education is developing a model performance framework and calculating letter grades for opportunity schools subject to State Board approval.
Figueroa also noted the potential for ASD (Achievement School District) transition schools to come on appeal; those schools are existing operators nearing the end of their charter term and applications to continue operating raise distinct considerations, including plans for continuity and transition if a renewal is denied.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about appeal pathways and attendance at capacity interviews; Figueroa said a member of the governing board is required to participate in each capacity interview. Commissioners directed staff to continue refining procedures and stakeholder-facing guidance ahead of the new cycle.
