Great Hearts Appeal Makes Concessions

A new charter school application from a group turned down by the Metro School board now includes a transportation plan and a proposed location.

Great Hearts Academy’s bid for appeal refutes the reasons given for refusing the initial application. The board ruled that the plan put forward by Great Hearts didn’t completely meet the necessary standards. The new letter presents a laundry list of arguments in defense of the first application, even citing email correspondence with district officials.

In two areas, organizers are now making certain concessions. In response to criticism from the board that the application did not specify a proposed location, Great Hearts now says it is looking for a spot in West Nashville, roughly between Centennial Park and White Bridge Road. The board also had problems with the application’s lack of plan for getting students to and from the charter school. Great Hearts still contends it isn’t required by state law to provide transportation, but organizers now contend they’re willing to provide busses if there is a need.

The appeal will be up for a vote at next week’s School Board meeting.