Democrats in the state House want a meeting with the Education Commissioner to ask that he rethink penalizing Metro Schools by $3.4 million. If the state follows through with the fine, they say the penalty should be “challenged, possibly in court.”
The state is coming down on Metro Schools for not approving a charter application from Great Hearts Academies. A state board had ordered the district to reconsider, while adding contingencies that the school modify plans to provide transportation and ensure diversity.
Rep. Mike Turner of Old Hickory chairs the House Democratic Caucus and says his opposition to the Republican administration has little to do with party.
“The reaction is over party lines, to a certain extent. But no, the decision for Metro Nashville, I think they did not meet their obligations, because I know there are Democrats that voted to approve Great Hearts that are on that board.”
Turner contends Metro had grounds to deny the charter because Great Hearts hadn’t yet met those contingencies laid out by the state.
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