New charter school among items discussed during JMC School Board meeting

JACKSON, Tenn. — With just a few weeks to go before the new school year officially starts, leaders with the Jackson-Madison County School Board met for their monthly meeting late Thursday afternoon.

School board members tackled many items on their agenda, including discussion of incorporating a new charter school within the school district.

The school system was presented with a resolution for an application for the Jackson Museum Charter School to operate within the Jackson-Madison County School District. The school board voted to deny that application.

We talked with those both for and against the proposal

“Based on the criteria from the state of Tennessee, we were able to evaluate based on those demands. And we did find some good points and we found that they met some [criteria], exceeded as well–some partially met. Some of the things that were partially met were concerning. The deficiencies in those particular areas–in particular the budget–which has been mentioned. You know, making a lot of assumptions about funding when you do not have the money makes the difference,” said Dr. Vivian Williams, deputy superintendent and chair for the charter school review committee.

“Obviously, we are disappointed in their vote but we do still remain committed in our overall goal of bringing innovative school choice like Jackson Museum School to West Tennessee specifically to the families of Jackson, Tennessee,” said Jean little, CEO of Jackson Museum Charter School.

Leaders with Jackson Museum Charter School say they will appeal the issue to the state educators who could ultimately decide whether to approve a charter school within the Jackson-Madison County School District.

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