Tennessee could see as many as 17 new public charter schools next year

Tennessee school districts could see as many as 17 new public charter schools next year.

That’s how many letters of intent potential charter operators sent to five schools districts across the state by the December 3 deadline. Letters of intent are the first official step in next year’s new start charter application process. Charter schools are free public schools operated by an independent contract or “charter” with an authorizing agency like a school district or the state.

Last year school districts received 21 letters of intent but only 9 of those proposed charter schools actually submitted...