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Charter commission approves contracts, charter agreements and elects Lauren Smith as vice chair
Summary
At its April 17 meeting the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission approved procurement agreements with the Tennessee Language Center and PowerSchool, approved a Knowledge Academy charter agreement and a Rock Academy addendum, adopted two policies/rules on readings and elected Lauren Smith as vice chair (7–0 vote).
The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission approved a slate of operational contracts, charter agreements and governance items at its April 17, 2026 meeting in Nashville and elected Commissioner Lauren Smith as vice chair.
On procurement and contracts, the commission approved an interagency agreement with the Tennessee Language Center and an extension of services with PowerSchool for the 2026–27 school year (voice votes). General Counsel Ashley Thomas described the procurement items as routine extensions presented by the Business Operations Committee.
Charter agreements and addenda: the commission approved a negotiated five‑year charter agreement for Knowledge Academy at the Crossings, with a maximum enrollment of 700 and a shared facility in Antioch; the school has contracted with Noble Education Initiative to support operations. The commission also approved a two‑year addendum for Rock Academy to temporarily share the Knowledge Academy facility until June 30, 2028; staff noted a longer‑term amendment would return to the commission if the facility arrangement persists.
Policy and rule actions: the commission approved LEA Policy 6910 (news media and communications) on first reading and Commission Policy 3.4 (intervention) on final reading. Commissioners also approved Commission Rule 1185‑01‑04 on first reading, which will govern the commission’s replication application process and proceed to a rulemaking hearing before final consideration; that rule passed the roll call with seven ayes.
Election: Commissioners nominated and elected Lauren Smith as vice chair to begin her term at the conclusion of the meeting; the roll call was reported as seven ayes.
Votes at a glance (as recorded in the meeting): - Interagency agreement — Tennessee Language Center: approved (voice vote). - Agreement — PowerSchool (SY26–27 extension): approved (voice vote). - LEA Policy 6910 (first reading): approved (voice vote). - Policy 3.4 (intervention, final reading): approved (voice vote). - Rule 1185‑01‑04 (replication, first reading): approved (roll call: 7 ayes). - Knowledge Academy at the Crossings — charter agreement (5 years, max enrollment 700): approved (voice vote). - Rock Academy — two‑year facility addendum (expires 06/30/2028): approved (voice vote). - Vice chair election — Lauren Smith: elected by roll call (7 ayes).
What this means: The votes finalize short‑term operational contracts and governance actions needed for upcoming school openings and operations. The replication rule’s first reading advances the notice and rulemaking process required for commission adoption. Lauren Smith will serve as vice chair through June 2027, beginning immediately.
The commission adjourned after the scheduled presentations and updates.
