Shelby County Board of Education
1011
Issued Date: 00/00/00
Revised: 00/00/00

CHARTER SCHOOLS
Table of Contents
I.

PURPOSE, MISSION AND VISION ............................................................................................................. 2

II.

SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................................. 2

III.

POLICY STATEMENT .................................................................................................................................. 2

IV.

KEY DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 3

V.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY CHARTER AUTHORIZING PRINCIPLES AND STANDARDS .......... 4

VI.

CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZATION .................................................................................................... 4

VII.

CHARTER SCHOOL AGREEMENT AND ANNUAL AUTHORIZER FEE .............................................. 6

VIII.

CHARTER SCHOOL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .............................................................................. 6

IX.

CHARTER SCHOOL REQUESTS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL EXPANSIONS, CHARTER SCHOOL
REPLICATIONS, AND CHARTER AGREEMENT MODIFICATIONS .................................................... 7

X.

ANNUAL REVIEW AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................... 8

XI.

CHARTER SCHOOL INTERIM AND OTHER PERIODIC REVIEWS ...................................................... 9

XII.

CHARTER RENEWALS .............................................................................................................................. 11

XIII.

CHARTER REVOCATION .......................................................................................................................... 13

XIV.

CHARTER SCHOOL CLOSURE PROCEDURE ........................................................................................ 14

XV.

SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENTS........................................................................................................ 16

XVI.

FACILITIES USE AND PURCHASE .......................................................................................................... 17

XVII.

CHARTER PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL ...................................................................................................... 19

XVIII.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW .............................................................. 20

XIX.

RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................................... 21

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 I.

PURPOSE, MISSION AND VISION

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines by which Shelby County Schools (“SCS” or the
“District”) shall collaborate with existing and potential District-authorized public charter schools in order
to provide SCS students with the best high-quality educational opportunities. With regard to its
authorizing function, the mission of SCS is to provide SCS students with quality charter school
educational choices designed to ensure all students’ educational needs are appropriately met, including
preparation for meaningful post-secondary career or educational opportunities. The vision of SCSs
governing body (the “Board”) in the implementation of this policy is to strategically align the Board’s
mission, core beliefs and commitments, SCS’s educational goals, priorities and objectives, and other
administrative guiding principles with the resources and expertise of the District and quality charter
schools to address student educational needs.
II. SCOPE
This policy applies to the decision-making processes of the District with respect to schools formed and
operated in accordance with the Tennessee Public Charter Schools Act of 2002, and the District’s
acceptance, review, and evaluation of new charter school applications; the District’s oversight and
monitoring of District-authorized charter schools; the District’s acceptance, review and evaluation of
District-authorized charter school renewal applications; denial or revocation of a District-authorized
charter school; charter school closures; shared service agreements between charter schools and the
District; and the use or purchase of District-owned facilities by a District-authorized charter school.
Additionally, this policy also applies to requests from existing charter schools for expansions of grade
bands, school replications, charter agreement modifications or charter school renewals. Finally, this
policy applies to the formation and roles and responsibilities of the Charter Partnership Council.
III. POLICY STATEMENT
The Board believes that SCS should work collaboratively with its authorized charter schools to provide
the best educational opportunities for all the students of the District, requiring open lines of
communication between SCS and charter schools, sharing of information, resources, and best practices,
and ensuring that charter schools engage in fair, equitable and lawful treatment of students and families.
In support of this belief, the Board and community stakeholders (including various charter school leaders
and supporters) collectively developed a District/Charter/Multi-Operator Compact for Quality Schools1
that detailed the shared values/guiding principles needed to collaboratively accomplish ensuring all
students are equipped with the necessary skills to experience success.
The shared values/guiding principles include the belief that: 1) all students can learn and achieve to meet
and exceed the high expectations of our community and the educational standards of our state; 2) all
students in Shelby County deserve adequate and appropriately distributed resources in support of their
learning and development; 3) all students should have caring, well-trained, highly-qualified and effective
teachers, school leaders and other school personnel; 4) through public and community partnerships,
everyone must work in concert to support the growth, development and success of children; and 5) our
system of schools can be high performing, accountable, and transparent for all students attending Shelby
County School district-managed and authorized schools.
Therefore, it is the policy of the Board that the District take affirmative steps to ensure there is
transparency regarding the expectations and standards for charter school approval (including charter
1

The SCS District/Charter/Multi-Operator Compact for Quality Schools was adopted by the Board on January 26,
2016.

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 school conversions), expansion, modification, replication, performance, renewal and revocation; clear
guidance on a fair, rigorous, publicly transparent, and merit-based interim review and renewal decision
making and closure processes; clear guidance on the scope of shared services and facility use/purchase;
and the establishment of a collaborative approach to ensuring shared input and accountability.
IV. KEY DEFINITIONS
Academic Standards / School Performance Framework (or SPF) – one of the three Core Components
of the Performance Accountability Framework that is used to measure a school’s academic performance.
These Academic Standards or SPF are comprised of four (4) categories: Academic Achievement,
Academic Growth, College/Career Readiness (applicable only to high schools), and School Climate. Each
category is set and weighted as determined by the District, and reviewed and approved by the Board.
Charter School Expansion - the addition of one or more new grade levels served at a charter school
outside of the original grade levels approved by the Board or the increase of more than 10% of the total of
the authorized student enrollment at a charter school.
Charter Agreement Modification – the revisal of a charter agreement/application that substantially
alters the original Essential Program Terms of the agreement/application.
Charter School Replication - refers to either (a) increasing the number of authorized schools/school
campuses or (b) increasing the number of single-site charters granted to the same operator.
Core Components – a three-part set of standards that forms the foundation of the Performance
Accountability Framework. Those standards are: (1) Academic Standards / School Performance
Framework (or SPF), (2) Operational Standards / Operational Scorecard and (3) Financial Standards /
Financial Scorecard.
Cumulative Performance Report (or CPR) - A report setting forth a charter school’s performance
record comprised of whichever one of the following is available at the time of a charter’s school review:
• Core Components data for years 1 through 9 of the charter term; or
• Interim Renewal Report Core Components Performance data (years 1 through 4) of the charter
term and Core Components data from years five (5) through nine (9) of the charter term.
Essential Program Term (or EPT) - a characteristic of a charter school’s educational program that the
approved charter school indicates in its charter school application is critical to the school’s mission, vision
and, ultimately, its success. In evaluating EPTs, the District may also review elements of a school’s
culture (particularly related to discipline) and community partnerships that are distinctive and appear to be
essential to the school’s mission and vision. The District’s review of EPTs is designed to measure a
charter school’s fidelity to the charter application or charter agreement.
Financial Standards / Financial Scorecard – one of the three Core Components of the Performance
Accountability Framework that is used to measure a school’s financial performance. These standards
include, but are not limited to, the following financial indicators: Audit Opinion, Annual Audit, Annual
Financial Report, Going Concern, Internal Control Audit, Findings-Material Weakness/Significant
Deficiency, Primary Reserve Ratio, Current Ratio, Debt to Asset Ratio, Enrollment Variance, Total
Margin and Aggregated Total Margin, and Debt Service Coverage Ratio. Each indicator is set and
weighted as determined by the District, and reviewed and approved by the Board.
Interim Review – The fifth year of a charter school’s initial charter term and the fifth year following any

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 renewal of a charter agreement.
Operational Standards / Operations Scorecard – one of the three Core Components of the
Performance Accountability Framework that is used to measure a school’s financial performance. These
standards include, but are not limited to, seven (7) categories: Benefits, Federal Programs, Health
Services, Human Resources, Special Education, Student Information, Student Services, and Student
Mobility. Each category is set and weighted as determined by the District, and reviewed and approved by
the Board.
Performance Accountability Framework – a comprehensive evaluation structure comprised of the Core
Components and used by the District in connection with its decision-making authority under this policy to
measure the overall performance of a charter school.
Renewal Decision Year - The tenth year of a charter term.
V. COMMITMENT TO QUALITY CHARTER AUTHORIZING PRINCIPLES AND
STANDARDS
SCS shall strive to function as a nationally recognized high-quality charter authorizer in compliance with
state law and this policy2, modeling closely after the Quality Charter Authorizing Standards identified in
Tennessee State Board of Education Policy 6.111 and as subsequently amended from time to time by the
Tennessee State Board of Education. SCS shall use the Quality Charter Authorizing Standards as a
guiding framework for establishing and maintaining quality authorization principles and standards. In
addition to the authorizing standards established for implementing a comprehensive charter school
application process, SCS shall develop an Educational Priorities Document/Rubric (EPDR) to provide
charter schools with clear guidance on how to align the strategic priorities of the District in meeting
student needs.
VI. CHARTER SCHOOL AUTHORIZATION
A. Application Content and Scoring
The District shall adhere to Tennessee state law and regulations adopted by the Tennessee State Board of
Education (where applicable) with respect to the required charter school application content and scoring.
B. Evaluation Criteria
Charter school applications shall be evaluated using the criteria set forth by the Tennessee Department of
Education (TNDOE), and, where applicable and/or required, taking into account one or more of the
following additional criteria:
1. Charter School Application Preference - The District shall give preference to new applicants that
demonstrate the capability to meet the needs of the groups of students identified in T.C.A. § 4913-106 (b)(1)(C). However, preference for applications with the focus of serving students from a
group or groups set forth in T.C.A. § 49-13-106 (b)(1)(C) will not reduce the score of
applications that demonstrate other strengths or focuses.
2. Needs Alignment Assessment Using the Educational Priorities Document/Rubric (EPDR) - The
2

See Policy 6.111 Quality Charter Authorizing Standards, TN State Board of Education, developed in partnership
with the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and the Tennessee State Board of Education,
http://www.qualitycharters.org.

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 District may consider a charter school applicant’s willingness and ability to meet the needs
identified in the EPDR for strategic partnership purposes. The Superintendent shall develop the
EPDR, which shall be published and made publically available each year by February 1. The
EPDR shall be provided to the Board for review and approval each year prior to being published
and made publically available.
3. Past and Current Performance of the Charter School Sponsor - Where applicable, the past and
current performance, including student growth and achievement, of any charter school operated
by the same sponsor shall be considered.
4. Substantial Fiscal Impact to the District - The District shall consider whether the establishment of
a charter school will have a substantial negative fiscal impact on the District such that
authorization of the charter school would be contrary to the best interest of the pupils, the District
or community.
C. Charter Applicant Interviews
The charter sponsor shall be afforded an interview to provide further clarity on the content of the
application. All interview questions should be within the scope of the answers provided by the applicant
in its application responses.
D. Charter Application Review Team
A Charter Application Review Team (CART) shall be appointed by the Superintendent (or designee) to
assist with the review of applications for newly created charter schools (including charter school
conversions) and of charter schools requesting expansions of grade bands, school replications, charter
agreement modifications or charter renewals. The CART shall include representatives from the District
office responsible for charter schools, a parent and/or community member, external reviewers and
expertise from, but not limited to, the following areas: Charter School Leadership, English Language
Learner/SPED, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, Academics, Operations, Student
Supports, Coordinated Student Health, Mental Health, Finance, Human Resources
The CART shall be appropriately trained and supported by the District office responsible for charter
schools.
E. Charter School Conversions
Pursuant to applicable law, the Board may authorize the conversion of an existing public school to a
public charter school through one of the following methods:
1. Parent/Teacher Conversion Petition – A school may convert to a public charter school if parents
of 60% of the children enrolled at the school or 60% of the teachers assigned to the school agree
and demonstrate support by signing a petition seeking conversion and the District agrees to the
conversion. The percentage of parents signing a petition shall be calculated on the basis of one (1)
vote for each child enrolled in the school. Parents whose children are enrolled at the school shall
have the option to enroll their child in another public school without penalty.
2. District or Board Conversion Request - The Superintendent may request that the Board convert a
school to a public charter school. Such a request is subject to the provisions provided above under
Sections VI.A and VI.B above, and applicable state law. Similarly, after reviewing any charter
school application in accordance with the provisions provided above Sections VI.A and VI.B
above, the Board may request that the sponsor amend the application to provide for the
conversion of an existing public school. If the charter school sponsor declines the Board’s
request, then the charter application review process shall proceed in accordance with state law

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 and regulations and Board policy.
3. Charter School Sponsor Conversion Application - A charter school sponsor may apply to the
Board to convert an existing public school to a charter school to serve the students zoned to the
school. A charter school sponsor shall submit its application to the Board. The Board shall act on
the application within the time frames set under T.C.A. §§ 49-13-107 and 49-13-108.
Each method listed above shall be subject to the provisions provided above under Sections VI.A and VI.B
above, and applicable state law. However, pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-13-106(c)(1), no charter agreement
shall be granted that authorizes the conversion of any private, parochial, cyber-based or home-based
school to charter status.
VII.

CHARTER SCHOOL AGREEMENT AND ANNUAL AUTHORIZER FEE

A. Charter School Agreement
The Board’s approval of a charter school application shall be in the form of a written agreement signed by
the sponsor and the Board, which shall be binding upon the governing body of the public charter school.
The charter agreement for a public charter school shall be in writing, contain all components of the
application, the applicable annual authorizer fee calculation, and shall be for a charter term of ten (10)
academic years, beginning on the first day of instruction. Likewise, a renewal of a charter
agreement/approved application shall also be for a period of ten (10) academic years. EPTs shall be
derived from an approved charter application or charter agreement, whichever is applicable, and shall
represent the characteristics of a charter school’s educational program that the school indicates in its
charter application (or charter agreement, if applicable) are critical to the school’s mission, vision and,
ultimately, its success.
B. Annual Authorizer Fee
Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the Board shall receive an annual authorizer fee that shall be
the lesser of three percent (3%) of the annual per student state and local allocations or thirty-five thousand
dollars ($35,000) per school or as provided by law. The District shall use the annual authorizer fee
exclusively for fulfilling authorizing obligations, including, but not limited to, charter application review,
contract negotiation, oversight and evaluation, and accountability, in accordance with state law and Board
policy.
VIII.

CHARTER SCHOOL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

A. Performance Accountability Framework
In order to fulfill its commitment to high-quality charter school authorizing, oversight and monitoring, the
District shall evaluate charter schools using the Performance Accountability Framework (see definition
above). The Performance Accountability Framework shall also be used to evaluate charter school
applications for grade band expansions, charter school agreement modifications and school replications;
to determine which charter schools are subject to revocation or non-renewal for failure to meet or make
reasonable progress towards the goals set forth in the charter agreement/application or provided by law;
and to make facility use decisions.
B. Accountability Process
Charter schools not meeting the minimum expectations set by the Superintendent (and approved by the
Board) under the Performance Accountability Framework will receive written communication from the

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 District about their performance each year, and specifically at the timelines stated below:
1. Not Meeting Expectations - Year One - After one (1) school year (with test data) of not meeting
expectations, the charter school (board and administration) will be requested to create an Action
Plan for addressing their school’s low performance and to meet with the District to discuss the
Action Plan. However, the charter school shall maintain full autonomy over the Action Plan, The
District shall not serve as an arbiter of the Action Plan’s quality or likelihood of success.
2. Not Meeting Expectations – After Year Three - After three (3) consecutive school years (with test
data) of not meeting expectations set forth in any one of the three (3) core components of the
Performance Accountability Framework and upon completion of one full academic year of
implementing the Action Plan, the Superintendent shall make a recommendation to the Board for
revocation of the charter school’s charter. (See Charter Revocation section below)
3. Charter Schools with Two Years or More of Test Data - Any charter school with current Action
Plans as of the effective date of this policy is subject to the above accountability process, and
shall enter the Accountability Process described above under Subsection 2 (Not Meeting
Expectations – After Year Three) above. In the event of egregious acts, malfeasance, or severe
under performance (academic, operations, and/or financial) by a charter school that are not
addressed appropriately by the charter school’s administration and/or board, the District is
expected to act in the best interests of the children and families of SCS, which may include
immediate action or revocation of the school’s charter.
4. Egregious Acts, Malfeasance or Severe Underperformance – In the event of egregious acts,
malfeasance, or severe under performance (academic, operations, and/or financial) by a charter
school that are not addressed appropriately by the charter school’s administration and/or board,
the District is expected to act in the best interests of the children and families of SCS, which may
include immediate action or revocation of the school’s charter.
IX. CHARTER SCHOOL REQUESTS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL EXPANSIONS, CHARTER
SCHOOL REPLICATIONS, AND CHARTER AGREEMENT MODIFICATIONS
A. Application Process
All requests for charter school expansions, charter school replications and charter agreement
modifications shall follow the process outlined in the administrative rules and regulations promulgated by
the Superintendent (or designee).
B. Evaluation Criteria
1. For Charter School Expansion Requests – In conjunction with EPDR and fiscal impact
assessments, the Board shall use the following criteria to determine whether to approve a charter
school expansion request:
a. A charter school operator that operates a single-site charter school will have its request
for expansion recommended to the Board for approval if the school has a current
composite score of 3.0 or better in each of the three core components (i.e. academic,
operational, and financial) of the Performance Accountability Framework.
b. A charter school operator that operates two or more charter schools or campuses will
have its request for expansion recommended to the Board for approval if (i) all of the
operator’s schools or campuses combined have a current composite score of 3.0 or better
in each of the three core components (i.e. academic, operational, and financial) of the

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 Performance Accountability Framework, and (ii) the school or campus the operator is
seeking to expand is not on an Action Plan.
2. For School Replication Requests – In conjunction with EPDR and fiscal impact assessments, the
Board shall use the following criteria to determine whether to approve an application to replicate
a charter school:
a. A charter school operator that operates a single-site charter school will have its request
for charter school replication recommended to the Board for approval if the school has a
current composite score of 3.5 or better in each of the three core components (i.e.
academic, operational, and financial) of the Performance Accountability Framework.
b. A charter school operator that operates two or more charter schools or campuses will
have its request for charter school replication recommended to the Board for approval if
(i) all of the operator’s schools or campuses combined have a current composite score of
3.0 or better in each of the three core components (i.e. academic, operational, and
financial) of the Performance Accountability Framework; and (b) none of the
schools/campuses the operator operates are on Action Plans.
3. For Charter Agreement Modification Requests– In conjunction with an EPDR assessment, the
Board shall use the following criteria to determine whether to approve a charter school agreement
modification request:
a. A charter school operator that operates a single-site charter school will have its request
for charter agreement modification recommended to the Board for approval if the school
has a current composite score of 3.0 or better in each of the three core components (i.e.
academic, operational, and financial) of the Performance Accountability Framework.
b. A charter school operator that operates two or more charter schools or campuses will
have its request for charter agreement modification recommended to the Board for
approval if all of the operator’s schools or campuses combined have a current composite
score of 3.0 or better in each of the three core components (i.e. academic, operational,
and financial) of the Performance Accountability Framework.
c. Requests made under this section shall be reviewed for legal form, sufficiency and
content by the Office of the General Counsel prior to submission to the Board for
approval.
X. ANNUAL REVIEW AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. State-Required Annual Progress Reports from Charter Schools
The District shall require a charter school’s governing body to submit an annual progress report to the
District that contains the following information:
1. The school’s progress towards achieving the goals outlined in its charter;
2. The same information required in reports prepared by the District pursuant to state laws and
regulations (see X.C. below);
3. Financial records of the school, including revenues and expenditures;
4. A detailed accounting, including the amounts and sources, of funds other than those received
under T.C.A. § 49-13-112(a), which shall include, but not limited to, any funds received from
sources under T.C.A. § 49-13-112(e); and
5. Any other information requested by the District pursuant to Board policy and/or Administrative
Rules and Regulations.

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 B. District-Required Charter School Annual Performance Report
Once data becomes available each school year, the District shall complete an Annual Performance Report
(APR) that provides clear, accurate performance data for charter schools on individual school and overall
portfolio performance under the Performance Accountability Framework set forth in the charter
agreement as provided by state law and regulations. This report shall be made available to the charter
schools and public, and published via the District’s website.
C. State-Required Annual Authorizer Progress Reports to the TNDOE
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-13-120, by January 1 of each year, the Superintendent on behalf of the Board
shall submit to the Tennessee Department of Education an annual authorizing report that includes the
following information:
1. The results of all approved charter schools’ annual audit of accounts and records, as is required
by all charter schools’ governing bodies under T.C.A. § 49-13-127;
2. The operating status of the District-approved charter schools with the designation of:
a. Approved but not yet open;
b. Opening and operating;
c. Revoked, including the reason for revocation;
d. Non-renewed; or
e. Closed, including date of closing and the reason for closing;
3. The oversight and contracted services, if any, provided by the District to approved charter
schools; and
4. A performance report for each charter school in accordance with the Performance Accountability
Framework set forth in the charter agreement/charter application.
XI. CHARTER SCHOOL INTERIM AND OTHER PERIODIC REVIEWS
A. Frequency of District Interim Reviews
As required under T.C.A. § 49-13-121, the District shall conduct an interim review of each charter school
in the fifth year of a charter school's initial period of operation and also in the fifth year following any
renewal of a charter agreement, using the guidelines developed by the TNDOE.
B. Interim Review Reports – Content and Timing of Charter School Submission
The District shall require charter schools to submit an Interim Review Report to the District that complies
with state law and TNDOE guidelines in the charter school’s reporting on its progress in achieving the
goals, objectives, pupil performance standards, content standards and other terms of the approved charter
agreement/application, and any additional requirements set forth by the District. The District shall require
that charter schools to submit a completed Interim Review Report to the District and the TNDOE no later
than December 1 of the charter school’s fifth operational year and/or fifth year following any renewal of a
charter agreement. The Interim Review Report submitted by a charter school (or the charter school’s
failure to submit the Interim Review Report) shall be considered in the District’s evaluation of a charter
school’s performance and whether to non-renew or revoke a school’s charter.
C. Interim Review Evaluation Criteria
The District shall perform its interim review of charter schools by relying on the results of the following
reports:
1. Interim Review Report submitted by the charter school (see XI.B. above);

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 2. Interim Performance Accountability Framework Report prepared by the District - The Interim
Performance Accountability Framework shall consist of the three core components of the
Performance Accountability Framework (i.e. academic standards, operations standards, and
financial standards), and an additional component reflecting the results of the charter school’s
annual independent financial audit);
3. Interim Site Visit Report prepared by the Evaluation Team (see XI.D. below) – The Interim Site
Report shall consist of the results of an interim site visit, which shall include summaries of the
responses/comments obtained from key representative groups.
D. Interim Review Site Visits and Evaluation Team
The District office responsible for charter schools shall assemble an Evaluation Team that shall
be responsible for conducting interim review site visits, and shall be comprised of representatives from
the District office responsible for charter schools, District partners, and one independent reviewer.
During its interim review site visits, the Evaluation Team shall request to meet with the following four (4)
separate representative groups in order to gather additional information related to a charter school’s
current academic, operational and financial performances; observe, discuss, and collect evidence
regarding Essential Program Terms (EPT) in order to assess the charter school’s fidelity to the charter
application or charter agreement; and communicate with the charter school governing board and
leadership about current performance and future plans:
1. Charter School Administrative/Board Representatives (3-6 individuals) – Composed of charter
school leadership, the Charter School Board Chair, and one additional board member (optional)
2. Charter School Staff Representatives (4-6 instructional staff members) – Composed of a
combination of fairly new (i.e. teachers with less than 5 years’ teaching experience) and veteran
(i.e. teachers with 5 or more years’ teaching experience) teachers, as well as representation from
content area and elective subjects, where applicable. Two to three teachers from this group will
be randomly selected for observations. In order to be eligible to serve as a staff representative in
this group, the staff member representative must not have children enrolled at the charter school
being reviewed.
3. Parent Representatives (4-8 individuals) – Composed of parents of current students enrolled at
the charter school of various grade levels and demographics. It is preferable that parents of new
students (year 1 enrollment) as well as parents of students who have attended the school for more
than one year be included. Parents who are also staff should not be included. However, parents of
one graduate may be included.
4. Student Focus Group Representatives (1-2 individuals) – Where appropriate (5th grade – 12th
grade), no more than two (2) student representatives of each grade level in the school shall
participate in a focus group. New (year 1) and returning students shall be represented. Students of
staff should not be included.
The Evaluation Team must complete its interim review site visit of the charter school prior to the
District’s submission of a Final Interim Performance Report to the Board.
During the interim review site visit, the District office responsible for charter schools shall collaborate
with the charter school to determine if the school’s EPTs require modification. Such a determination
should be based on objective and observable data, fostering constructive feedback and/or discussion as
appropriate.
E. Final Interim Performance Report
At the conclusion of a charter school’s interim review, the District office responsible for charter schools

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 shall submit to the Board and the charter school a comprehensive Final Interim Performance Report
comprised of the following information: the Interim Performance Accountability Framework Report; the
Interim Site Visit Report, which shall include summaries of the responses/comments obtained from the
four (4) representative groups identified in Section XI.D. above; the Interim Review Overall Rating; and
the District’s Interim Review Board Recommendation (if the recommendation is to revoke or non-renew a
charter).
The Interim Review Overall Ratings options shall be as follows: “On track for renewal”; “Off-track, at
risk for non-renewal”; “Severely off track, at risk for revocation” or “Revocation Recommended”. If the
Interim Review Overall Rating identified in the Final Interim Performance Report is “Revocation
Recommended,” then the provisions outlined in this policy for Charter Revocation (Section XIII) and
Charter School Closure Procedure (Section XIV) shall apply and be followed.
F. Other Periodic Reviews: Cumulative Performance Reports
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-13-121(e), by April 1 in Year 8 of a charter school’s charter term, the District
shall submit to the charter school a report documenting the charter school’s performance that will directly
reflect the District’s renewal evaluation as described in Section XII below. This report, which shall be
referred to as the Cumulative Performance Report (“CPR”), shall reflect a cumulative record of the
charter school’s performance throughout its current charter term, using the core components of the
Performance Accountability Framework (i.e., academic standards, operations standards, and financial
standards) and an additional component reflecting the results of the charter school’s annual independent
financial audit.
An updated Cumulative Performance Report (“CPR”) shall be provided in the beginning of the charter
school’s renewal year. Each school will be allowed to confirm, correct (with evidence), and/or provide
additional information about the record of performance that the District compiles in the initial and
updated CPR.
XII.

CHARTER RENEWALS3

A. Renewal Eligibility
In order for a charter agreement/approved application to be deemed eligible for renewal for another 10year charter term, the charter school governing body must submit a renewal application to the District
office responsible for charter schools no later than April 1st of the year prior to the year in which the
charter expires. A charter school governing board that fails to submit a renewal application by the April
1st deadline shall not be deemed eligible for renewal consideration.
B. Renewal Application
The District shall consider a renewal application that is timely submitted by charter school on the charter
school renewal application form provided by the TNDOE,4 with the information requested pertaining to
the school’s operations during the nine (9) years preceding the date of the renewal application. Such
information shall include, but is not limited to5, students’ standardized test scores, TVAAS results, charter
school financial statements, and the results of the school performance audits.

3

This section is applicable to Charter Schools up for renewal in the 2019-20 school year.
The TNDOE promulgates the charter renewal application and makes it available online.
5
T.C.A. § 49-13-121; See also, TNDOE Charter School Renewal Application.
4

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 C. Renewal Evaluation Criteria
The District shall review all timely submitted charter renewal application and consider the following
items as part of its review:
1. Charter School’s State Renewal Application (see XII.B above).
2. SCS Renewal Application Supplemental Requirements – In supplement to the renewal
application, the District shall review and consider the following:
a. Cumulative Performance Report;
b. Outcome of Renewal Site Visits (see Section XI above); and
c. Essential Program Terms (See Section VII.A. above).
3. District’s Most Recent Final Interim Review Report for the Charter School (see XI.E. above).
4. Any Required Basis for Non-Renewal as Provided in T.C.A. 49-13-122. (See XIII.A. below)
5. Any Discretionary Basis for Non-Renewal as Provided in T.C.A. 49-13-122. (See XIII.A. below)
D. Renewal Report
Following a complete review of a renewal application, the District office responsible for charter schools
shall submit to the Board a comprehensive Renewal Report, which shall be comprised of the following
elements and provided to each charter school renewal applicant:
1. SCS Final Updated CPR;
2. Charter School’s Response to Updated CPR;
3. 5-Year Interim Review Report;
4. Charter School Responses to the State Charter Renewal Application;
5. Charter School Responses to the SCS Supplemental Renewal Application Requirements;
6. Results of the Independent Financial Audit from the preceding year;
7. Renewal Site Visit Report;
8. Individual Scores for each of the three core components of the Accountability Performance
Framework (i.e. academic standards, operations standard and financial standards); and
9. Recommendation for Renewal or Non-Renewal (with clearly stated reasons for non-renewal, if
applicable).
E. Informal Renewal Hearing
If the Renewal Report contains a recommendation to non-renew a charter, the Board shall conduct an
informal renewal hearing publically. Within ten (10) business days after the Board’s receipt of the
Administration’s recommendation, the District office responsible for charter schools (or designee) shall
notify the charter school in writing of the date, time, and location for the hearing. All informal renewal
hearings shall occur at least five (5) business days before the Board votes by resolution on the renewal
recommendations.
The informal renewal hearing is an opportunity for a school to discuss its application for charter renewal
and address the Interim Review/Renewal Report and/or recommendation for non-renewal/revocation.
During the hearing, the Office responsible for charter schools shall present its basis for recommending
non-renewal, charter school representatives may present their basis for renewal, the Board may ask
questions of the charter school and its staff, and the public will be invited to comment on the
recommended action to non-renew. Only upon request by the Board may the charter renewal applicant
submit additional documents. The Board and/or the Superintendent (or designee) may request an updated
Renewal Report to be considered in the renewal decision.

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 F. Renewal Decisions
In accordance with State law, no later than February 1 following the submission of the renewal
application, the Board shall render a decision by resolution to renew or non-renew a charter school based
on the Renewal Report. The decision will be made in a public Board meeting.
Any renewal application denied by the Board shall result in the closure of the charter school in
accordance with State law/rules/regulations and Board closure policy and procedures.
Upon approval of a renewal application, the Board or the charter school may request an update to the
Charter Agreement, whichever is applicable, when determined necessary to comply with the charter
school’s updated Essential Program Terms and/or the law.
G. Appeals of Decisions to Non-Renew a Charter
If the Board denies a renewal application, in accordance with state law, the charter school’s governing
body may appeal to the Tennessee State Board of Education within ten (10) days of the Board’s decision
to deny renewal.
H. Renewal Timeline – Publication
To ensure transparency in the renewal process, a renewal timeline will be published on the District’s
website for public viewing and access no later than 60 days prior to the implementation of the timeline.
The renewal timeline will provide the relevant dates aligned to this policy and accompanying
administrative rules and regulations and procedures. The renewal timeline, including any subsequent
revisions, will be reviewed and approved by the Board prior to its distribution/publication.
XIII.

CHARTER REVOCATION

A. Grounds for Required Revocation
The Board shall revoke or deny renewal for a public charter school agreement if the school receives
identification as a priority school, as defined by the state's accountability system pursuant to § 49-1-602
for 2017 or any year thereafter. The Board shall vote by resolution to revoke or non-renew the school’s
charter agreement within 30 business days of the Board’s receipt of notification of the school’s
identification as a priority school or at the next scheduled Board Business Meeting, whichever occurs
later. Such revocation shall take effect immediately following the close of the school year in which the
school is identified as a priority school, and the Board shall require the charter school to follow the school
closure procedure outlined by state law/rules/regulations and Board policy.
The Board’s decision on this basis is not appealable.
B. Grounds for Discretionary Revocation
Per T.C.A. § 49-13-122(b), the Board may revoke or non-renew a public charter school agreement on any
of the following grounds:
1. Material Violation of the Conditions, Standards, or Procedures Set Forth in the Charter
Agreement/Application
2. Failure to Meet Charter Agreement/Application Performance Requirements
3. Failure to Meet Generally Accepted Standards of Fiscal Management
4. Statutory Conditions for Non-Approval As Specified in T.C.A. § 49-13-108(c)

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 5. Egregious Acts or Malfeasance by the Charter School
Prior to a recommendation for revocation of a charter school for any of the grounds listed in this
subsection (B), the District office responsible for charter schools shall conduct a review of the charter
school’s performance using the Performance Accountability Framework. The review shall consist of one
or more of the following reports: the State-Required Annual Progress Report; the District-Required
Annual Performance Report; the most recently completed Five-Year Interim Review Report; and/or the
Renewal Report required by state law and regulations and Board policy. Additionally, the District office
responsible for charter schools shall prepare a detailed report of the request for and the Action Plan(s)
submitted by the charter school and the outcomes, where applicable.
C. Voluntary Closure / Charter Termination
Per state law and upon request by the governing board of a charter school, the District may allow the
charter school’s governing body to voluntarily terminate the charter school prior to the expiration of the
charter. In such cases, if a public charter school voluntarily closes, its charter agreement with the
chartering authority shall cease to be effective as of the closing date, and the Board shall require the
charter school to follow the school closure procedure outlined by state law/rules/regulations and Board
policy.
XIV.

CHARTER SCHOOL CLOSURE PROCEDURE

A. Recommendation to Revoke/Non-Renew Charter Agreement and Close School
1. Required Notices Regarding Recommended Action - No later than the end of the first quarter of
the school year in which closure is recommended, except in extenuating circumstances, the
Superintendent shall provide the Board with recommendations for consideration of charter school
closures. The Superintendent (or designee) shall also give notice to the administration, governing
board and sponsor of the charter school recommended for closure. Within five (5) calendar days
from providing notice to the Board and the charter school’s administration, governing board and
sponsor, the Superintendent (or designee) shall provide public notice that closure of the charter
school shall be recommended to the Board.
2. School Closing Impact Report - Within five (5) calendar days after notice of recommendation for
school closure is provided to the Board and the administration, governing board and sponsor of
the charter school recommended for closure, the Superintendent shall submit to the Board and the
charter school’s administration, governing board and sponsor a School Closing Impact Report
which shall contain the following information:
a. The Performance Accountability Framework Review Report, Action Plan Report, and
any additional documentation supporting the recommendation to close a school.
i. Exception: Only in cases provided by law or extenuating/emergency situations as
determined by the Board may the District be exempt from providing a
Performance Accountability Framework Review and/or Action Plan Report. In
such cases, the Superintendent (or designee) shall provide to the Board a written
justification for the closure recommendation.
b. A proposed timeline for post-closure public and parent meetings and communications
related to the potential closure, including information regarding the school options for
students.
c. The academic impact on the affected students.
d. An analysis of the impact of the school closing on students, teachers, parents, and the
neighborhood within which the charter school is located.

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 e. An analysis of the fiscal impact on the District (e.g. transportation, facilities, shared
services, contracted services, etc.) for closing the school.
B. Board Decision to Revoke/Non-Renew Charter Agreement and Close School
1. Charter School Closure Hearing - Within ten (10) calendar days after its receipt of the School
Closing Impact Report, the Board shall schedule a Charter School Closure Hearing, which shall
be open to the public and properly noticed. The Superintendent (or designee) shall notify the
charter school recommended for closure of the Charter School Closure Hearing thirty (30) days
prior to the hearing date. The notification shall be made in writing and notify the charter school of
the possibility of its revocation and state the reasons for such possible revocation. The Closure
Hearing is an opportunity for a school to discuss its status and address the closure
recommendation. During the hearing, the Office responsible for charter schools shall present its
basis for recommending school closure, charter school representatives may present the school’s
basis for not closing, the Board may ask questions of the charter school and its staff, and the
public will be invited to comment on the recommended action to close the school. Only upon
request by the Board may the charter school submit additional documents.
2. Board Decision – The Board shall render its decision to revoke or deny renewal of a public
charter school agreement/application and close a charter school within _____ days of the Charter
School Closure Hearing or by any relevant required statutory deadline, whichever is applicable.
C. Timeline Following Closure Decision
Upon the Board’s decision to revoke or deny renewal of a public charter school agreement/application
and close a charter school, the Superintendent (or designee) shall complete the following tasks according
to the following timelines:
1. Except in extenuating circumstances, conduct a minimum of two (2) public meetings to provide
information to the public regarding the charter school closure (e.g. reiterate closing rationale,
provide parents with school options and the transfer/enrollment process, etc.). The public
meetings must be held no later than December 15th of the year of the school closure decision,
except where extenuating circumstances apply as determined by the Board.
2. Within two (2) calendar weeks of the closure decision, the Superintendent (or designee) shall
meet with the charter school’s governing body and leadership to establish a transition team as
outlined in T.C.A. § 49-13-130 (2) who shall attend to the closure, including the areas outlined in
T.C.A. § 49-13-130 (2).
3. Except in extenuating circumstances as determined by the Board, within twenty (20) calendar
days of the closure decision and on a regular basis thereafter, the Superintendent (or designee)
and transition team shall provide key information regarding the school’s closing to families of
students enrolled in the school, school staff and other affected stakeholders.
4. Within thirty (30) days of the closure decision, the Superintendent (or designee) and transition
team shall communicate to the families of students enrolled in the school all other public school
options for which the student is eligible to enroll.
5. Within forty-five (45) days of the closure decision, the Superintendent (or designee) and
transition team shall notify all agencies, employees, insurers, contractors, creditors, debtors and
management organizations of the charter school closure.

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 D. Immediate/Emergency Closure
Immediate/emergency closure of a charter school may be recommended based on the reasons outlined
above or in T.C.A. 49-13-101 et. seq., including the case of fraud, misappropriation of funds, flagrant
disregard of the charter agreement or similar conduct. In such cases, the general closure process above
may be used if permitted by state law and is in the best interest of students as determined by the Board.
Otherwise, notifications to parents, charter schools, and the public shall be made as soon as practical, but
should conclude no later than the end of the current school year.
E. Right to Appeal
A charter school’s right (if any) to appeal the Board’s decision to close the school shall be subject to all
applicable state laws/rules and regulations.
XV.

SHARED SERVICES AGREEMENTS

A. General Statement
The Board is committed to supporting opportunities to appropriately value, and effectively and efficiently
utilize, all available resources in order to maximize student success and access to high-quality, highperforming schools. To ensure this is accomplished in a fair, transparent and equitable manner, any shared
service, whether fee-based or not, shall be set forth in a service agreement that respects charter school
autonomy and treats the charter school equitably compared to traditional District schools, if applicable,
and ensures that purchasing such services is explicitly not a condition of charter approval, continuation, or
renewal.
In order to provide charter schools access to products and/or services that better leverage public resources
for the benefit of Shelby County students, the District is authorized to enter into shared service
agreements with its charter schools for services/products the District is able to access at a lower cost
through its larger scale purchasing power (i.e. has economies of scale) or for services/products the District
is able to provide at lower costs, added value, and a quality of service comparable or better than available
otherwise (i.e. has a competitive advantage). The District reviews and decides which services it is able to
make available.
All shared services agreements authorized under this policy shall be in compliance with applicable state
law/policy/regulations and Board policy, and shall be drafted in a manner that recognizes charter school
autonomy and treats the charter school equitably compared to traditional District schools, if applicable,
and ensures that purchasing such services is explicitly not a condition of charter approval, continuation, or
renewal.
B. Types of Shared Services Agreements
The types of shared service agreements between the District and charter schools under this policy are
described below:
1. “No-Fee Shared Service” – refers to products/services that are extended between the District and
charter schools for use/access at no cost.
2. “Fee-for-Service” – refers to products/services offered to charter schools directly by the District
or through purchasing arrangements (with external vendors) for a fee or pro rata/incremental cost
(e.g. curriculum, textbooks, professional development, psychiatrists, therapists, etc.). Charter
schools may also identify products/services that can be shared with the District under similar

Page 16 of 21

 arrangements. Fee-for-Service agreements shall include, but are not limited to, agreements for the
provision of social/emotional support, mental health services and professional development and
training.
3. “Compliance Service” – refers to services that the District is required to provide to establish,
maintain, and ensure compliance with state and federal law by charter schools. These services are
funded (in whole or part) by the District authorizer fee from charter schools.
C. District Shared Service List and Standard Operating Procedures
The Superintendent (or designee) shall establish a District Shared Service Listing and Standard Operating
Procedures (Shared Service Listing and SOP) for charter schools not later than December 2018.
Thereafter, the Shared Service List shall be updated annually no later than May 15th of each year and
made available to existing and incoming charter schools.
D. Quality Assurance Access, Quality and Reporting
The Superintendent (or designee), in consultation with the Charter Partnership Council, shall establish a
quality assurance process for monitoring and evaluating access to and the quality of the service/product
provided. This process shall include, but is not limited to:
1. Establishing norms and expectations for access to and the provision of shared services;
2. Reviewing the quality of service/product based on defined expectations contained in shared
service agreements;
3. Identifying opportunities for the District and charter schools to share services, programs, and
learning;
4. Providing opportunities for District feedback to charter schools on improving process and
communication for requesting and receiving services/products.
The Superintendent (or designee) and the Charter Partnership Council shall submit to the Board an annual
report on the Shared Service/Product Quality Assurance.
XVI.

FACILITIES USE AND PURCHASE

A. General Criteria for Prioritizing Facilities Use and Purchase Decisions
The District shall consider the criteria below, as listed in order of general importance, when evaluating
whether to approve a charter school’s request to use or purchase District-owned facilities:
1. Criteria #1: Academic Growth & Student Achievement – This includes evaluating the school’s
track record for maintaining high levels of academic growth and student achievement, as
measured by the School Performance Framework, or the track record of operating other
successful schools demonstrated leadership capability, and/or quality of its application. Other
measures beyond the SPF may also be used in evaluating the academic performance for schools
that are targeting a priority need of the District by meeting the academic needs of an underserved
student population.
2. Criteria #2: Strategic Alignment with District Objectives/Educational Priorities as identified in
the EPDR – Examples of such alignment might include evidence of the following:
a. A charter school providing opportunities directly targeted at meeting the needs of an
underserved student population that has been identified as a priority for the District (e.g.,

Page 17 of 21

 intensive or alternative pathways schools in a specific area of the District);
b. A charter school proposed as a solution in an area of the District that has a significant
academic performance gap, and supports an immediate need to replace a current lowperforming program in the existing neighborhood;
c. A charter school proposed as a solution in an area of the District that has been identified
as needing a new school or expansion of existing capacity to meet student enrollment
demand;
d. A charter school operating as a high-performing school in an area of the District that has
been identified as having significant performance gaps in the area’s existing schools;
e. A charter school working collaboratively with the District to adjust their proposed or
current program or operational offering(s) to more closely align with the
District/Community needs. Examples could include: increased enrollment priority for
students qualifying for free-and- reduced lunch/identified as economically disadvantaged;
offering Pre-K, EL or special education program services; offering increased services for
off-track students; and providing equity of access and opportunity for socio-economic
integration desired by the community.
3. Criteria #3: Monetary offer, timing of sale, condition of facility – A higher priority will be placed
on selling buildings (or land) to charter schools based on the best offer. Consideration shall be
given for offers to lease facilities that include variations of lease amounts, coverage of deferred
maintenance, on- going preventive maintenance, all operating expenses, utilities and repairs. The
District will consider its needs related to deferred maintenance and new buildings, and shall seek
the best deal, at the right time. Facilities with a Facility Condition Index (FCI) over 20% shall be
designated as unavailable for lease due to poor condition
4. Criteria #4: Strong enrollment demand; declining/increasing enrollment population and
community support - Without regard to status as a new or existing school, the nature of
enrollment demand may be evidenced by extensive student waiting lists, low enrollment in
surrounding schools, community petitions and/or other forms of testimony
The District shall also consider other factors as presented by the District office responsible for business
operations.
If more than one school meets the criteria for the same facility, the District will provide its
recommendation based upon the “best available option” defined in alignment with the criteria and
considerations listed above. In each case, these criteria and considerations will be evaluated in aggregate
in determining the ability to meet the facility request relative to available resources and other needs in
making recommendations to the Board.
B. Process for Facility Use/Purchase Requests and Recommendations
The Superintendent (or designee) shall be responsible for developing a process for charter schools to
request and access District facilities, through use and/or purchase. The Superintendent (or designee) is
responsible for making recommendations to the Board related to charter school facility use. The
Superintendent (or designee) shall develop a process for making recommendations to the Board for
approval. The process shall include review and approval by the Board Committees responsible for
Academics and Facilities prior to making a recommendation to the full Board for approval.

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 C. Facility Use Categories
1. No Cost-Lease Use - Based on the strength of Criteria #1 and #2, the Board may provide a charter
school use of the District- owned facility at “No-Cost Lease”. However, on-going preventive
maintenance, all operating expenses and utilities and repairs shall be the responsibility of the
charter school occupying the facility.
2. Lease or Lease/Purchase – Charter schools operating in District-owned facilities under a lease or
purchase agreement as provided in policy 7002 Real Estate and that do not meet criteria listed
above will be responsible for paying the agreed upon cost.
3. Purchase - Based on the strength of Criteria #1 and #2, and additional considerations such as
coverage of deferred maintenance, on-going preventive maintenance needed, facility operating
expenses, utilities and repairs, previous investments in referenced facility by charter school, and
future investments in the facility and/or community, the Board may allow a charter school to
purchase a District-owned facility at a lower than market (appraised value) cost. The purchase
agreement may include a claw-back clause to ensure the facility remains in service to education
and/or the public good should the charter school move or close.
D. Facilities Management
Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-13-136, by October 1 each year, the District, using the state’s guidelines for
determining what constitutes the irregular or intermittent use of property, shall catalog all underutilized
and vacant properties owned or operated by the District and all underutilized and vacant properties within
any educational facility owned or operated by the District. The list shall be submitted to the TNDOE and
the state comptroller of the treasury; and the District shall make all such properties available for use by
charter schools operating in the District. This provision is not intended to frustrate the District’s ability to
plan for the use of underutilized or vacant properties owned or operated by the District.
The District may consider a charter school’s ability to meet Criteria #1 and #2 (only Criteria #2 for new
charters) in making facilities management decisions involving charter schools.
XVII. CHARTER PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL
A. General
The Board shall establish an advisory committee that shall be referred to as the Charter Partnership
Council (CPC), and shall comply with SCBE Policy 0024 in the establishing of the CPC advisory
committee, including the adopting of a charter. The CPC shall be created in order to advise and provide
feedback and make recommendations to the Board in the following focus areas: accountability and
oversight, funding and administrative fee, facilities, communications, adequate and appropriate access,
shared services, and strategic academic and legislative partnerships. The CPC shall also be expected to
provide feedback and make recommendations to the Board regarding charter authorizer accountability
and use of the authorizer fee.
B. CPC Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the CPC shall be as follows:

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 1. To create norms and expectations for feedback and recommendations to the Board;
2. To identify, discuss and make recommendations supporting accountability and transparency from
charter schools and SCS, and adequate and appropriate access of charter schools to services and
resources;
3. Recommend strategic partnerships;
4. Identify, discuss and make recommendations supporting access to high-quality school
options/choice;
5. To review and make recommendations, where applicable, in accordance with the District Charter
School Advisory Committee’s First through Fourth Quarter Recommendations 6; and
6. To discuss and advise on any other issues of mutual concern and joint opportunities the CPC may
identify.
XVIII. POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW
The Superintendent (or designee) shall develop and ensure the implementation of a set of administrative
rules and regulations that achieves the purpose and goals set forth in this policy. The administrative rules
and regulations shall, at a minimum, do the following:
•

•
•
•

•

Outline a charter school application process, which shall be submitted to the Board on an
annual basis for review and input sufficiently in advance of opening the application process,
that identifies application questions, follows fair, transparent procedures and rigorous criteria,
includes review of applicant responses by the CART and an interview with each applicant (if
requested by the charter sponsor), and recommends charter applicants to the Board that
demonstrate strong capacity to establish and operate a quality charter school7;
Outline a charter school application interview process that is clearly communicated and applied
to all applicants in a fair, transparent and equitable manner, with a summary of each interview
provided to the Board as part of the charter recommendation process;
Outline a clear and transparent application process for each category of conversion requests
identified in this policy;
Outline an application process for charter school requests for grade band expansions, charter
agreement modifications, or school replications that is fair, transparent, and rigorous. The
process may include, but not be limited to, an assessment of the EPDR and Fiscal Impact of the
expansion, modification, or replication request;
Concerning the Performance Accountability Framework, establish:
- An Academic Accountability Timeline that sets forth the requirements for one (1)
school year (with test data) of not meeting Academic expectations, and two (2)
consecutive school years (with test data) of not meeting Academic expectations; and
- An Operations and Financial Accountability Timeline that sets forth the requirements
for one (1) school year of not meeting Operations and/or Financial expectations; and
two (2) consecutive school years of not meeting Operations and/or Financial
expectations.

•

Outline a 5-year interim review and renewal process that is clearly communicated and applied
to all charter schools in a fair, transparent, and equitable manner.

•

Outline a renewal application timeline of relevant dates that aligns to this policy. The timeline,
including any subsequent revisions to the timeline, will be reviewed and approved by the
Board prior to its publication.

The Charter Advisory Committee’s “1st Quarter Recommendations” and “2nd and 3rd Quarter
Recommendations” were approved by the Board on December 6, 2016, and October 31, 2017, respectively.
7
NACSA Principles & Standards for Quality Charter School Authorizing (2015).
6

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 •

Establish a District Shared Service Listing and Standard Operating Procedures for charter
schools not later than December 2018, that shall be updated annually no later than May 15th of
each subsequent year and made available to existing and incoming charter schools. The
Shared Service SOP and Listing shall include, but shall not be limited to:
- Listing of services/products available
- Cost associated with the available services/products - No Fee Shared Service or Fee for
Service
- Description of the frequency and provision of the services/products
- Quality assurance expectation for the service/product provided

•

Establish, in consultation with the Charter Partnership Council, a quality assurance process for
monitoring and evaluating access to and the quality of the service/product provided.

•

Provide opportunities for District feedback to charter schools on improving process and
communication for requesting and receiving services/products.

•

Outline a process for charter schools to access, use and/or purchase District-owned facilities,
through use and/or purchase, that includes, but is not limited to, the following considerations:
an assessment of strategic alignment with District objectives/educational priorities and needs;
a review of charter school’s academic performance; any monetary offer; previous investments
in the facility by the charter school; condition of the building; and any other factors, where
applicable

This policy shall be reviewed by the Board every four (4) years or as otherwise provided herein or by law.
The accompanying administrative rules and regulations and procedures shall be reviewed on an annual
basis with a report presented to the Board (or its designee) for review of recommended revisions.
XIX.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A. It is the responsibility of the District office responsible for charter schools to coordinate, conduct and
monitor the processes identified in this policy in accordance with State
law/rules/regulations/guidelines and other relevant Board policy, including promulgating
administrative rules and regulations, and procedures to effectuate this policy.
B. It is the responsibility of the District office responsible for business operations, in conjunction with
the Office responsible for charter schools, to coordinate and conduct the processes identified in this
policy related to facilities.
C. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure this policy is implemented and followed.
D. It is the responsibility of the SCS Board of Education to govern the processes associated with charter
school authorization, expansion, modification, conversion, renewal, non-renewal, revocation, closure,
shared services, accountability, and use of District-owned facilities. It is further the Board’s
responsibility to make all decisions related to the authorization, expansion, modification, conversion,
renewal, non-renewal, revocation, closure, shared services, accountability, and use of District-owned
facilities; and review this policy as provided.
Legal References
T.C.A. 49-3-302
T.C.A. 49-13-106
T.C.A. 49-13-107
T.C.A. 49-13-108
T.C.A. 49-13-110
T.C.A. 49-13-112
T.C.A. 49-13-120
T.C.A. 49-13-121

T.C.A. 49-13-122
T.C.A. 49-13-127
T.C.A. 49-13-128
T.C.A. 49-13-130
T.C.A. 49-13-135
T.C.A. 49-13-136
6.111 Quality Charter Authorizing
Standards, TN State Board of Education
Policy 6.800 Charter School Renewal

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Related Policy
2012 Contract Requirement, Approval and
Signatory Authority
7002 Real Estate