State director makes recommendation against Knox charter school

The executive director of the Tennessee State Board of Education has recommended that the board vote against a proposed charter school in Knox County.

January 25, 2012

The Knox County school board twice denied the charter school application of the New Consortium of Law and Business.

The school, which would serve grades six through 12 with an emphasis on developing students' legal and business skills, appealed the decision to the state.

In his recommendation to the board, which will meet and vote on Friday, Gary Nixon said what he found compelling was the charter school did not appear to know the demographics of the students or school district.

"I believe it is important for a sponsor to be well acquainted with the students, district and community they intend to serve in order for them to clearly show that their existence would be in the best interest of those groups," he said.

Tommie Henderson, with SMART Schools, which is sponsoring the charter school, said he accepts Nixon's recommendation and looks forward to retooling the application, making a better connection with Knox County and reapplying next year.

"He has protected districts from charter schools that are premature and been a champion of charter schools that are right," he said. "We are not deterred."

Officials with Knox County Schools declined to comment on the recommendation, saying it has not been ruled on by the state.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel