Charter commission says authorizer fee largely covers costs; seeks $22 million more as portfolio grows

NASHVILLE — Lawrence Walker, the commission’s director of finance and operations, told the Business Operations Committee on Jan. 22 that the FY25 authorizer fee covered about 97% of the commission’s expenses and that the FY25 authorized-fee report was submitted to the State Board of Education on Dec. 1 and posted publicly.

Walker said TISA outcome bonuses of approximately $561,000 were awarded for student achievement in grades referenced in the statute and that those funds are 100% state-funded. He also reviewed FY26 budget-to-actuals and cautioned that revenue projections remain volatile because enrollment and local revenue fluctuate throughout the year.

“We are awaiting approval for an additional $22,046,500 in budget authority,” Walker said, “and we are expecting to authorize at least 26 schools, serving a projected 9,600 plus students.” He told commissioners the request would recognize additional revenue and operational expenditures tied to the commission’s growing enrollment.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify how the TISA outcome bonuses are calculated and requested follow-up materials. Walker said the bonus calculations are statutorily or regulation-driven and offered to provide the charting and statutory references for commissioners.

The committee received the report and approved the agenda and minutes at the start of the meeting. No formal changes to the commission’s budget request were taken during the committee; Walker said staff will continue monitoring revenue projections and will update the commission at its next meeting.

The commission’s materials note that two geographic districts increased their per-pupil funding following final expenditure reports: Memphis-Shelby County from $12,249 to $12,445 and Rutherford County from $10,273 to $10,503. Metro Nashville’s report had not been finalized as of the meeting.