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Board approves four charter applications as superintendent pushes LIFT network
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Summary
The board approved four charter school applications — North Jackson Academy, East Jackson Academy, Union Academy and Digitech Academy of Excellence — framed by the superintendent as part of a district-led LIFT network to expand options and address state intervention requirements.
The Jackson-Madison County Schools Board voted to approve four charter school applications after Superintendent Dr. King described a new district strategy called the LIFT network (Leading Innovation through Focused Transformation).
Dr. King framed the initiative as a response to state oversight for several high-priority schools and as a way for the district to expand locally controlled options. "This is our declaration of sovereignty," he said while urging the board to consider the charter applications he recommended.
The board considered applications for North Jackson Academy, East Jackson Academy (a Gestalt Community Schools application), Union Academy (in partnership with Union University) and Digitech Academy of Excellence (a digital-technology-focused model). Superintendent remarks and staff reviews noted that most applications "met standards" across rubric sections, while a few items were listed as "partially met" (commonly facilities, operating budget, staffing or family-engagement items). For Union Academy, Dr. King said the district had been in discussions with Union University's leadership and expected the school to leverage a campus partnership.
Board members asked about locations and capacity; for some applicants staff could not yet pinpoint final facilities but noted plans to partner with district properties or university sites. For Digitech Academy, a presenter described a campus secured on Wallace Road and said the model pairs a phonics/reading foundation with an added digital-technology component.
Members expressed both support and caution: some said they would back innovation and choice for families while others stressed the need to protect district employees and ensure strong oversight. After discussion, the board approved each charter application by motion and roll-call vote.
What happens next: Each approved application moves forward under district resolution; staff will follow up on outstanding items flagged in capacity reviews (facilities, staffing and food-service details where applicable).
