NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new department could be created to manage charter schools in Tennessee if a plan by Governor Bill Lee's administration becomes law.
The responsibility would be passed from the Tennessee State Board of Education to a newly created commission of nine people.
Right now, if someone wants to start a charter school in Tennessee, they need to run the idea by the school district first. If the district accepts the proposal, the state board doesn't need to get involved.
However, if the district rejects the charter offer, then there's an appeals process that brings the idea before the state board. Under this bill, the newly created commission would take over that role.
Lawmakers had many questions at a committee meeting Wednesday morning. Some believe the new commission could result in a large quantity of charter schools being created in the state, resulting in less money for regular public schools.
"I just believe that that decision should remain with the local education agency, the school board that you duly elected," said state representative Antonio Parkinson. "For me, this runs afoul of democracy. You're giving this commission or state school board more authority than the person you push the button for and it mutes my vote."
However, a representative for governor Lee's administration the focus is on quality charter schools, not quantity.
Also, the bill's sponsor, state representative Mark White said this takes an unnecessary burden off of the state board.
"The state board has many, many duties," rep. White said. "We put it on the state board but we didn't give them any resources, the money, the funds, the personnel, to really do it justice. They've done a good job with what they've had, but the commission will be looking at the best charters for our state."
