For-Profit Charters Plowing Path to Tennessee

National Heritage Academies has 45,000 students. Outside of Michigan, Ohio has the most schools with ten. Image courtesy NHA

State law requires that Tennessee charter schools be run by non-profit organizations. But there’s a last-minute push in this session of the legislature to allow for-profit charter operators.

The sponsors have kept a tight lid on what will undoubtedly be a controversial proposal. The vaguely written bill – known as a caption – will be amended to say that charter schools could hire a for-profit company to manage the day-to-day operations.

Senator Todd Gardenhire of Chattanooga says all options should be on the table.

“I don’t think the debate should be whether it’s for profit or not for profit. The debate ought to be if the kids need a better alternative for education and they’re not getting it where they’re at, then I think it behooves us to open that door.”

The legislation was written by lobbyists representing National Heritage Academies out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The company runs more than 75 schools around the country, with most of them in Michigan. While several are high performers, a dozen have been flagged by regulators for low performance.

The Tennessee Department of Education is aware of the push to open the door to for-profit charters. An assistant commissioner says the department is taking a neutral position.