JMCSS board members discuss denial of proposed charter school
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson-Madison County School Board makes a pivotal decision Thursday night, voting to deny a new charter school’s application.
This is sparking debate over school choice in West Tennessee.
On Thursday evening, the Jackson-Madison County School Board voted to deny an application for Jackson Museum School, a proposed charter school, to operate within the district.
SEE ALSO: New charter school among items discussed during JMC School Board meeting
The decision came, in part, as a result of discussions on support for students among other factors.
“We have a great system here at the Jackson-Madison County School System. The possibility of a charter school coming into our community is really a disservice to us because we don’t know you,” said Andrea Givens-Moore, Jackson-Madison County School Board member. “Taking a chance on our children is something that I’m not welcoming at all.”
Jackson Museum School argues the proposed school board members are made up of local families and community members, and said 13 local educational groups want to partner up.
“They represent, and we represent, a grassroots effort to have this charter school. This is not an outside entity coming in. This is actually their community,” said Dr. Jean Little, CEO and lead founder of Jackson Museum School.
Other discussions focused on cost.
“A lot of it was the budget. It’s some things in there I just didn’t feel comfortable with. The reason why–knowing what our costs are for buses, for getting a building ready for school; several things in there I just didn’t–I don’t think it’s realistic what they had,” said Harvey Walden, Jackson-Madison County School Board member.
Dr. Little expressed disappointment but vowed to appeal to the state Friday.
“We’ve been granted $1.25 million to cover the start-up costs, so that’s an investment in local students. A vote to have our school authorized would have been honoring that investment for their students,” said Dr. Little. “I am disappointed and I plan to move forward. We do have a lot of community support.”
The appeal now heads to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, which could have the final say.
“JMS can go before the state, and the state can overrule us. If that happens–I truly mean this–I hope they prove me wrong. I hope they are successful and have a wonderful school. That’s what our students deserve,” said Walden.
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