Democrats Say State Charter Authorizer Will ‘Stick It’ to Cities

Democratic Caucus Chair Mike Turner says he does not believe a statewide charter authorizer would pass the General Assembly. Photo credit Blake Farmer/WPLN

Nashville Democrats say they were blindsided this week by a proposal to give the state ultimate authority in allowing charter schools to open. The legislation was rewritten to only include Nashville and Memphis.

The talk had been about an authorizer that would give charter schools in any part of the state a way to open, even if the local school board objects.

Rep. Mike Turner figures some GOP lawmakers are uneasy.

“Rural Republican legislators are more than willing to stick it to the big cities, as long as it doesn’t come their way.”

Tennessee’s largest cities are predominantly represented by the few Democrats remaining in the General Assembly.

It’s a Nashville Republican behind the state authorizer push, even though she’s not formally listed as the sponsor. House Speaker Beth Harwell says she’s responding to parents in her district upset by the Metro school board. Last year the panel repeatedly denied an application from Arizona-based charter Great Hearts Academy.