RESOLUTION NO. RS2013-594

A resolution opposing state legislation that would strip authority from locally-elected officials by creating a state charter school authorizer.

WHEREAS, in republican forms of government, locally-elected officials are the representatives closest to the people and are held most accountable to the citizens; and

WHEREAS, local governments in Tennessee should have the freedom and authority to make decisions that are solely applicable to the local government without state interference; and

WHEREAS, legislation is pending in the Tennessee General Assembly to allow the state Board of Education to approve charter schools in Nashville and Memphis that have been denied by the local school boards; and

WHEREAS, such legislation would circumvent the authority of locally-elected school board members to make decisions regarding charter schools by placing this responsibility with an appointed policy-making body; and

WHEREAS, the state-authorized charter school legislation that is currently pending does not include a mechanism for providing the local governments with the additional funds necessary to address the financial impact charter schools have on the local school system; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Board of Public Education has made great strides in its effort to increase diversity in the public schools; and

WHEREAS, allowing a state appointed board to grant charters in Nashville could have the effect of re-segregating schools and hindering the academic gains Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools have recently made; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government should be allowed time to work with the state to assess the cost implications associated with a state charter school authorizer before any state legislation is considered.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as opposing state legislation that would strip authority from locally-elected officials by creating a state charter school authorizer.

Section 2. The Metropolitan County Council further requests that the Tennessee General Assembly delay taking action on legislation pertaining to a state charter school authorizer until Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools has had the opportunity to work with state officials to determine the cost such legislation would have on the Metropolitan Government.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and to each member of the House and Senate Education Committees.

Section 4. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Steve Glover, Ronnie Stein, Erica Gilmore, Brady Banks, Sheri Weiner, Megan Barry, Bill Pridemore, Doug Pardue, Anthony Davis, Lonnell Matthews, Edith Taylor Langster, Bruce Stanley, Phil Claiborne, Burkley Allen, Davette Blalock, Sandra Moore, Walter Hunt, Frank Harrison, Tony Tenpenny, Emily Evans, Fabian Bedne, Jason Potts