Tennessee House Bill HB0036

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/12/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Engrossed: 4/6/23
• Enrolled: 4/13/23
• Passed: 4/28/23
• Chaptered: 5/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13, relative to charter schools.

Impact

The implications of HB 0036 are significant for state educational policy and the management of charter schools. By defining the conditions under which an authorizer can revoke a charter school agreement, the bill seeks to standardize processes and offers a degree of protection to schools that are struggling. The provision that prevents the revocation based on the 2022 and 2023 school identifications suggests a shift towards a more supportive approach for schools identified as underperforming, allowing them a fair chance to rectify their status before losing their charter.

Summary

House Bill 0036 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 49, Chapter 13, concerning charter schools. The bill introduces a framework regarding the revocation of charter school agreements based on a school's performance designation as a 'priority school'. The main change stipulates that an authorizer, excluding the achievement school district, can revoke a charter if the school receives priority school identification, which is defined by the state's accountability system. However, schools identified as priority in 2022 or 2023 are exempt from immediate revocation, allowing time for improvement.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding this bill appears to be positive, particularly among supporters who view it as a necessary update to the charter school framework in Tennessee. The bill received unanimous support with a floor vote indicating no opposition during the legislative process. However, discussions may exist regarding the effectiveness of charter school systems in general, but the specifics of HB 0036 have not sparked significant contention among lawmakers, as evidenced by the voting record.

Contention

Notable points of contention might arise around the definitions of 'priority schools' and the criteria used to determine school performance. While the current focus is on exempting schools identified in the recent cycles, critics could question whether this leniency is enough to ensure accountability among charter schools. Nonetheless, the absence of dissenting votes in both chambers reflects a consensus that, at least in this round, the proposed amendments to the charter school system are viewed favorably. Future debates may explore the long-term impact of such policies on educational quality and student outcomes.