Thread by @WilliamsonStrg

The @WCSedu is now discussing a resolution in opposition to HB2833 re: #charter schools, which would shorten the timeline for approval and allows charters to use district facilities:

The #wcsb is asking with this resolution for local control. Sheila Cleveland who chairs the legislative committee on the Board, says this is on the TSBA "oppose" list which means the state board does *not* recommend this for Tennessee public school districts.

...notes it would allow charter schools to bypass local approval and go straight to the state for approval (and we know how @GovBillLee feels about sending public school taxpayer money to private charter schools.)

Cleveland: this resolution addresses the key points of the legislation and seeks to make the point to our legislators that we want to maintain local control.

Brown (D4): Is there any scenario where this resolution comprises the charter schools currently under application review with the district? Golden says no, using current state law for that process.

Galbreath (D6) notes various voucher bills have come up before and not always taken that up, says it's always been around failing schools in Shelby/Davidson, etc. and our Williamson legislators have been against vouchers in Williamson County....

...asking if the new legislation is different in that it places no requirement on need. District counsel Dana Ausbrooks says there's a list of criteria but the broad answer is that districts would lose local control. (drink for every time someone says 'local control')

Galbreath says troubling provision in bill is that a charter can presume they have a need in another county, and then they can put one wherever they want to in other counties by going straight to the state.

Brown (D4) believes charters have to provide equal services to what the district is currently providing. Moves to add a whereas clause that this resolution does not represent the Board's views on the merits of charter schools generally.

Discussion on the motion to amend resolution will ensue. 🤦‍♀️

Friends, we're gonna be here for awhile.

Word-smithing a resolution on the floor of a formal meeting is a parliamentary procedural nightmare.

Amendment passes 10-0, with staff recommendation/approval, now voting on the resolution as amended. Also passes 10-0.

Onto curriculum appeals, starting new thread for that too!