Commission approves charter agreements for Rock Academy, Jackson Museum School and Rocketship TN‑4

The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission voted to approve three negotiated charter agreements on Jan. 20 for new schools that would expand options in Davidson, Madison and Rutherford counties.

General counsel Ashley Thomas summarized finalized terms: Rock Academy (first commission‑authorized opportunity public charter serving grades 9–12) was approved for a maximum enrollment of 340 students in Davidson County; Jackson Museum School was approved for up to 700 students (K–6) in Madison County; and Rocketship Tennessee 4 was approved for up to 576 students (K–5) in Rutherford County. Thomas noted that Rocketship TN‑4 informed the commission on Jan. 6 that it intends to exercise a one‑year statutory delay to its opening.

The commission approved the agreements by recorded vote (seven ayes, one no). Commissioner Griscom asked staff to ensure applicants understand limits on repeated delays; counsel confirmed the commission’s policy requires a more rigorous process for additional postponements.

What this means: The approved agreements create three new charter authorizations under the commission’s portfolio; Rocketship’s exercise of a one‑year delay is a statutory right but triggers policy reminders about subsequent delay requests.

Sources: Ashley Thomas, general counsel; roll call vote recorded in the Jan. 20 meeting materials.