[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6268483,"mediaKeyId","3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55","parentId",3055364,"title","Hamilton County board adopts resolution opposing bills to allow school enrollment refusals for unlawfully present students","audioSeconds",3194,"startMs",2882000,"endMs",6076000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55&start=2882&end=6076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55/thumbnail_2882000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6268483/Tennessee/Hamilton-County-board-adopts-resolution-opposing-bills-to-allow-school-enrollment-refusals-for-unlawfully-present-students","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268483-ddbc550afd3fe8441da5d81d49915c2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770408818&Signature=ikucyHeJYQwFi64ETTL-14Mx8jZHw-asIstp3KQrFy46VU~4NIg1qWs3FshC2H8XKWsdxrsqgwRxn7378b2asPOVhc-Yrvv2vgFdq4IAK1~vk7kcpxkptT8xWMsPbL9Iqe2oNXBBaVRmwcg0AHmVkMqXjaYBr4tnTQvOGQ9gt5hwGw8hOfLDxH696lo~KsRCRrwnmbEdYCwU5y-wvemBawX1pWGlXgAMAq4erDtEU2EGYDVuZWpQOdzD9OMOILu-STjhYgVuNS-XcxwOWVtr2ap~agdxCx0hX~N-5FdSwBvX5GrEg1H3yZ-3jWgdDE7QMs~M3CPOAz27mCBY4vkljw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hamilton County School","date","2025-04-19T00:24:43.69Z","article","The Hamilton County Board of Education on Wednesday approved a resolution opposing proposed state legislation (House Bill 0793 and Senate Bill 0836) that would permit local education agencies and charters to refuse to enroll students who are unlawfully present in the United States.

Board member Missus Black introduced the resolution and read its text in full, citing the U.S. Constitution’s equal‑protection and due‑process guarantees, provisions of the Tennessee Constitution and the district’s stated mission that \"all students thrive and experience a future without limits.\" \"Every child in this county deserves a chance to thrive,\" Black said as she presented the resolution.

Why it matters: The resolution is an expression of the board’s opposition; it does not change state law but signals the district’s official policy stance if the bills advance in the legislature. Board members noted the pending nature of the bills and the constitutional precedents at issue.

Board debate and vote
- Several trustees framed the action as a defense of public education access and cited Plyler v. Doe, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that has long protected K–12 access for children without lawful immigration status; one trustee said the proposed legislation appears aimed at overturning that precedent.
- A motion to adopt the resolution passed after roll-call voting. The board recorded eight \"yes\" votes and three abstentions; trustees Jody Schaefer and Mr. Slater explicitly abstained in the roll call, and one roll-call entry recorded an unclear answer that the clerk later summarized as an abstention. The board secretary announced the final count as \"8 yes, 3 abstentions.\"

What happens next: The board said staff will transmit the resolution and that trustees who are legislative liaisons will continue monitoring the bills as they move through the General Assembly.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HCS Board Meeting 4/17/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 0793 and Senate Bill 0836, citing constitutional protections and the district’s mission. The resolution passed with eight votes in favor and three abstentions.","taxTitle","Hamilton County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",12943,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6268486,"Board denies two charter applications after review that found academic, operations and financial weaknesses",989,2561000,3550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55&start=2561&end=3550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55/thumbnail_2561000.jpg","/articles/6268486/Tennessee/Board-denies-two-charter-applications-after-review-that-found-academic-operations-and-financial-weaknesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268486-97e31f51adf6c76eecf3f75b45eb3ed3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770408818&Signature=GfaxVlV50-RoAa5akpFpjnvyHuM1Q-Ga7nsVqkSlDLYHjfpAGXb3Hcp000KPqD-XcV8-k3GycVuxBphPeKaC1nOeddbGzm~PePs4m6z77UquCDk1WTbZdnHD-51ZbXJ3gABWop6mmB31YS5kcjaYCkSlzdSzyaBCnjkYijw4RK8vTcmkjg3ie-BVbTlNfHtYk4wjdwHKCeCHr3VjX2Gy6vdg29qbDde-IlB0wbforTfb7Ag70VImMncuN~eItfS9jl7wQL-lUJVNJGNxYg7HP62cv3xQNlsMZDTZxF-9V7ccEQnM4FMUjnxGn7rbitenImJhz6ADoJEa0HFBj15QvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hamilton County Board of Education voted to deny two charter-school applications after a district review committee concluded both proposals failed to meet state standards for academics, operations and finance.

The review team, led by Charter Coordinator Bennie Moore, recommended denial for Little Kings and Queens Charter Academy (proposed K–3, capacity 43) and Tennessee Wildflower Public School (proposed pre-K–5, capacity about 140). Moore summarized the committee’s findings during the board meeting, saying the applications “did not meet the rigorous standards set forth in Tennessee law in all areas.”

Why it matters: Denial places the applicants on a state‑mandated path for resubmission and potential state review. Under the state rule Moore recited, the district must provide written notice of specific objective reasons for denial within 10 calendar days; applicants have a window to amend and refile and the board must then act within 60 days — otherwise the amended application is automatically approved.

Committee findings
- Little Kings and Queens Charter Academy: The committee concluded the application lacked a compelling academic plan, measurable goals and sufficient plans for special populations. The operational plan did not demonstrate board or leadership capacity; proposed salaries were below statutory minima for future years; and financial assumptions were incomplete or unrealistic. The committee said the proposed relationship with a private for‑profit child‑development center raised legal and operational concerns.
- Tennessee Wildflower Public School: Reviewers found the academic plan broad and lacking measurable standards, with unclear strategies for mixed‑age classrooms and special populations. Operations were judged insufficient to demonstrate board capacity and CMO roles were not clearly defined; the financial plan lacked contingency if voluntary pre‑K funding was not secured. The review team also did not receive audited financials for the proposed CMO, the Wildflower Foundation, and expressed concern about fiscal health.

Board action and process
- After the presentations and a brief trustee discussion, a motion to deny each application was offered and seconded. The board conducted separate roll-call votes and the denials were approved.
- Moore said a written denial letter specifying objective deficiencies will be issued next week. Applicants may submit amended applications within the timeframes required by state rule; if the board again denies an amended submission, the applicants may appeal to the state charter commission.

What trustees asked and noted
- Trustees asked whether deficiencies would be shared with applicants; Moore confirmed the team will provide specific, written feedback so applicants can decide whether to amend and resubmit.
- Trustees questioned location suitability and community engagement; one trustee said a proposed site in her district ‘‘was not appropriate’’ and said the review team visited facilities as part of its evaluation.

Ending: Both denials were approved by roll-call votes following the review team’s recommendation. The board’s written notices will outline the remediation steps available to each applicant under state procedures.","A district review team recommended denial for Little Kings and Queens Charter Academy and Tennessee Wildflower Public School; the board voted to deny both applications and outlined the appeals and resubmission process required by state rule.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6268491,"Hamilton County board debates cuts to central office and special-education support; directs superintendent on budget",3681,6117000,9798000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55&start=6117&end=9798","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3055364-0b669f20935a3d7dd4ef287a3a0a0e55/thumbnail_6117000.jpg","/articles/6268491/Tennessee/Hamilton-County-board-debates-cuts-to-central-office-and-special-education-support-directs-superintendent-on-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6268491-e4294b57ccc29b37403a31fa6e4c6f3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427067&Signature=i2xGllGdrXPro5zV~Ooi3fdNuLjM6NWALfxy1C5Lh-HE6D~rHiZH5s6RcwGl3hDevHGD0C71bOaYk-kRgE4mHp2N0NCE1hP-spWDtRWU4e7a2-VrKKoLznuMqX4zmyzvUYp9LyTHkNL9U6ppIdMJnUzOSiwF7uYX2z35Z6UUXWN1hnfnRHNhllxj3mwjKKloGAiat4lrxD3kK~OGjVJk6OfPLRG7Bqun64KPlYXuLeTPvrBYQVj5WQS5ZA0eBx~sdL0lHZYP2cCJb7rLhUAERll9aApZl1SGBlfpcqOI~78hjwm1vLHGqAC5Hv0oiPXveawOX7cLV5EmmX6UAnLcxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hamilton County Board of Education members spent more than two hours on budget and organizational issues Wednesday, pressing the superintendent about new central-office positions and proposed reductions to student-facing roles while adopting a procedural request that the superintendent return with a balanced budget.

The debate centered on an organizational chart and draft budget the superintendent presented. Board member Jody Schaefer urged colleagues to review several new or retitled central-office posts — including community superintendents and a deputy superintendent — and described the procedure required by policy and state law for creating positions. \"Before any new or additional position is created, the board must specifically approve it,\" Schaefer said, citing board policy and Tennessee statute discussed during the meeting.

Why it matters: Board members and district staff said the county must cut roughly to close a budget gap that the superintendent and finance committee say threatens next year’s plan. Several trustees and teachers told the board that earlier reductions have already targeted classroom and student supports; speakers and board members warned that further cuts to special education assistants, nurses, alternative-school teachers or other front-line staff would harm students’ access to instruction and safety.

Board members described a clash between two priorities: trimming central-office costs and preserving student-facing services. Superintendent Justin Robertson repeatedly told the board he had proposed many reductions already and defended the structure and roles of central-office leaders. \"You do only have one employee,\" Robertson said, referring to the board's statutory relationship with the superintendent, and asked trustees to rely on him to staff the district effectively.

Discussion and direction
- Schaefer asked the board to consider formally removing positions from the proposed organizational chart and to pair any elimination with a corresponding removal of funding in the draft line-item budget.
- Several trustees questioned the role and number of community superintendents (five under the proposal) and the power of the deputy superintendent post. Attorney Ben Torres of the Tennessee School Boards Association was cited in conversation as advising how boards can review and approve positions; Schaefer said she had consulted him about options.
- Trustees also pressed for greater transparency: trustees requested job descriptions and compensation packages for new titles, and asked that the superintendent provide those documents before final votes.
- Trustees and staff described the potential impacts of proposed program relocations and staffing reductions in exceptional education. One trustee submitted a written statement opposing plans she said would relocate services and eliminate 23 exceptional-education assistant positions, and urged the board to use any suggested savings to increase — not reduce — services for students with disabilities.

Formal motions and votes
- Motion: \"Direct the superintendent to deliver the board a balanced budget.\" The board then held a roll-call vote on that motion. Outcome: Passed. (Roll call recorded mixed responses; the motion carried.)

Votes at a glance (other formal actions at this meeting)
- Gateway Technical School architect selection — motion to approve recommended architect (Tinker Mah): approved by roll call.
- Approval of HCC and HCDEMOA construction items (facilities): approved by roll call.
- Science-adoption recommendations (middle- and high-school courses): approved by roll call.
- Facility name change: Sequoia High School to be transitioned to \"North River Future Ready Center\" (transition notes: current full‑day students will continue to graduate from Sequoia for the next three years before the site is solely designated as the Future Ready Center): approved by roll call.
- Consent agenda (routine items): approved by roll call.

Clarifying details cited during the meeting
- The superintendent and staff said some proposed funds (for the Gateway project) come from bond proceeds and cannot be repurposed to balance the operating budget.
- The board discussed that Tennessee law and board policy define the superintendent as the district’s chief executive; the board must review positions and budgets but the superintendent retains hiring authority once funding and positions are approved.
- Trustees repeatedly asked for written job descriptions and salary information for any new central-office titles before final action.

What’s next: The finance committee will meet to continue budget work; trustees said they plan more targeted reviews in the committee before final votes. The superintendent was asked to return with a budget plan that meets the board’s direction.

Ending note: Several trustees and speakers urged the board to pursue local funding options—including putting funding measures to voters—if the community wants to preserve student-facing services beyond what the current revenue mix permits.","Board members spent much of the meeting debating an organizational chart and proposed staffing reductions, including cuts to exceptional-education assistants and alternative-school staff. The board voted to ask the superintendent to deliver a balanced budget and approved several routine items in separate votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hamilton County board adopts resolution opposing bills to allow school enrollment refusals for unlawfully present students

Board denies two charter applications after review that found academic, operations and financial weaknesses

Hamilton County board debates cuts to central office and special-education support; directs superintendent on budget