reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 11 - VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (§§ 49-11-101 — 49-11-909) › Part 9 - QUALIFIED WORK-BASED LEARNING STUDENT PROGRAM (§§ 49-11-901 — 49-11-909) › Section 49-11-909 - Credits for work-based learning program

In a work-based learning program, a maximum of six (6) credits may be earned in one (1) school year. At least one (1) credit must be earned through related classroom experience, which must include a minimum of two (2) periods per week of classroom instruction. A minimum of five (5) hours per week of supervised work experience is required for each additional credit earned. Students earning credits for work experience must be supervised by a certified work-based learning coordinator. Work-based learning programs must adhere to all state and federal child labor laws.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 543,s 1, eff. 3/7/2024.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 946, s 2, eff. 4/29/2022.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 12 - INTERSTATE COMPACTS (§§ 49-12-101 — 49-12-301) › Part 2 - COMPACT FOR EDUCATION (§§ 49-12-201 — 49-12-203) › Section 49-12-203 - Cooperation of state agencies

(a)
All officers of this state are hereby authorized and directed to do all things, falling within their respective provinces and jurisdictions, necessary or incidental to the carrying out of the compact for education in every particular.
(b)
All officers, agencies, divisions, departments and persons of and in the government and administration of this state are hereby authorized and directed, at convenient times and upon the request of the commissioners representing this state under the compact, to furnish the education commission with information and data possessed by them or any one of them, and to aid the commission by any means lying within their legal powers respectively.
Acts 1967, ch. 274, § 7; T.C.A., § 49-4307.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] (§ 49-13-NEW) › 1

(a)
As used in this section, "artificial intelligence" means a machine-based system that can, for a given set of human-defined objectives, make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments and that is capable of using machine and human-based inputs to perceive real and virtual environments, abstract such perceptions into models through analysis In an automated manner, and use model inference to formulate options for information or action.
(b)
The governing body of a public charter school shall adopt a policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence by students, teachers, and staff for instructional and assignment purposes. The policy must be implemented in each public charter school no later than the 2024-2025 school year. By July 1, 2024, and by each July 1 thereafter, the governing body shall report to the department of education of its compliance with this section. The report must include the adopted policy and describe how the governing body will enforce the policy In the upcoming school year.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 550,s 3, eff. 3/11/2024.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] (§ 49-13-NEW) › 2

(a)
A sponsor may apply to open an opportunity public charter school pursuant to the application process outlined in § 49-13-107.
(b)
The department, in consultation with the commission, may develop a specific opportunity public charter school application.
(c)
The state board of education shall promulgate rules to establish an annual evaluation of the at-risk student enrollment at opportunity public charter schools. If an opportunity public charter school fails to meet the seventy-five percent (75%) at-risk student enrollment requirement described in Section 1 for three (3) consecutive years, then the opportunity public charter school shall:
(1)
Petition the authorizer to amend its charter agreement; or
(2)
Voluntarily close.
(d)
Opportunity public charter schools may establish alternative education programs in compliance with § 49-6-3402.
(e)
(1)
The department of education shall recommend, and the state board of education shall adopt, an opportunity public charter school accountability framework in compliance with all federal requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (
20 U.S.C. § 6301
et seq.).
(2)
The opportunity public charter school accountability framework must include multiple measures and include performance metrics and targets that ensure students are prepared for post high school success.
(3)
The department shall convene an opportunity public charter school accountability working group to provide input and feedback prior to the recommendation of an accountability framework to the state board of education.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1066,s 13, eff. 7/1/2024, app. to opportunity public charter schools applying to open in the 2026- 2027 school year or in a subsequent school year.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-101 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Tennessee Public Charter Schools Act of 2002."
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-102 - Purpose

(a)
The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1)
Improve learning for all students and close the achievement gap between high and low students;
(2)
Provide options for parents to meet educational needs of students;
(3)
Encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods, and provide greater decision making authority to schools and teachers in exchange for greater responsibility for student performance;
(4)
Measure performance of pupils and faculty, and ensure that children have the opportunity to reach proficiency on state academic assessments;
(5)
Create new professional opportunities for teachers; and
(6)
Afford parents substantial meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.
(b)
It is the intention of this chapter to provide an alternative means within the public school system for ensuring accomplishment of the necessary outcomes of education by allowing the establishment and maintenance of public charter schools that operate within a school district structure but are allowed maximum flexibility to achieve their goals.
(c)
It is the intent of this chapter to provide both the state department of education and local school systems with options relative to the governance and improvement of high priority schools failing to meet adequate yearly progress as outlined in both §
49-1-602
and the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (
20 U.S.C. § 6301
et seq.).
(d)
It is the intent of this chapter to provide the state department of education and local school systems with options relative to the delivery of instruction for those students with special needs as specified in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) (
20 U.S.C. § 1400
et seq.).
(e)
It is the intent of this chapter to provide local school systems the option to work in concert with the state's public higher education institutions to establish charter school "laboratories of teaching and learning" as a means of fostering educational innovations for implementation statewide.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 8, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 2; 2004, ch. 832, §4; 2009 , ch. 555, § 4.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-103 - Application

This chapter applies only to schools formed and operated in accordance with this chapter.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-109 - Parent representative on governing body - Advisory school council

(a)
(1)
The membership of a governing body shall include at least one (1) parent representative whose child is currently enrolled in a charter school operated by the governing body. The parent representative shall be appointed by the governing body within six (6) months of the school's opening date. A charter management organization may satisfy this requirement by establishing an advisory school council at each school that it operates. An advisory school council shall consist of no fewer than five (5) members and shall include the principal, at least one (1) parent and at least one (1) teacher representative.
(2)
Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1):
(A)
The membership of a governing body for an opportunity public charter school may, but is not required to, include a parent representative; and
(B)
An advisory school council established by a charter management organization for an opportunity public charter school may, but is not required to, include a parent member.
(b)
An authorizer shall not serve as the governing body of a public charter school.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1066,s 8, eff. 7/1/2024, app. to opportunity public charter schools applying to open in the 2026- 2027 school year or in a subsequent school year.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 25, eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 351, s 3, eff. 7/1/2013.
Added by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 326, s 6, eff. 7/1/2013.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-114 - Transportation

(a)
If a public charter school elects to provide transportation for the public charter school's students, then the transportation must be provided by the public charter school or by agreement with an LEA in accordance with chapter 6, part 21 of this title. If a public charter school elects to provide transportation other than through an agreement with an LEA, then the public charter school shall receive all funds that would have been spent by the LEA in which the public charter school is located to provide such transportation. If a public charter school elects not to provide transportation for the public charter school's students, then the public charter school shall not receive the funds that would have otherwise been spent to do so.
(b)
For students who reside outside the geographic boundaries of the LEA in which the public charter school is located and who have been approved by the public charter school's governing body to attend the public charter school, the public charter school is not required to provide or pay for transportation.
(c)
At the time a student enrolls in a public charter school, the public charter school shall provide the child's parent or guardian with information regarding transportation.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 56, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, §14; 2011 , ch. 507, § 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-115 - Authority to open or close public charter school to in-person learning and instruction during state of emergency

(a)
During an emergency as defined in §
58-2-101
, the governing body of a public charter school may consult with the state and local health departments when determining whether to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction.
(b)
Notwithstanding an executive order issued by the governor or an order issued by a local health board or other public health official, the governing body of a public charter school has the sole authority to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction during an emergency as defined in §
58-2-101
. The governing body of a public charter school may delegate the authority to open or close a school to in-person learning and instruction to the administrator of the public charter school.
(c)
Notwithstanding subsection (b), during an emergency as defined in §
58-2-101
, if the governor issues an executive order with statewide applicability that requires schools to be open for in-person learning and instruction, then the executive order supersedes the authority granted in subsection (b).
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 96, s 2, eff. 4/7/2021.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-116 - Information on charter schools

(a)
The department of education shall provide information to the public on how to form and operate a public charter school. This information must include a standard application format, which must include the information specified in §
49-13-107
.
(b)
The department of education shall monitor the status of charter school applications and shall maintain information on the total number of charter school applications, total number of charter school applications approved, total number of charter school applications denied and total number of charter school applications appealed and the status or outcome of the appeals.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 57, s 58, s 59eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 16.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-117 - Leaves of absence for teachers

(a)
If a teacher employed by an LEA makes a written request for an extended leave of absence to teach at a public charter school, the LEA may grant the leave. Any extensions are at the discretion of the LEA. The leave shall be governed by chapter 5, part 7 of this title, including, but not limited to, reinstatement, notice of intention to return, seniority, salary and insurance.
(b)
(1)
The years of service acquired by a teacher while on a leave of absence to teach at a public charter school shall be used by the local board to obtain or determine tenure status; provided, that when the teacher returns to the traditional LEA from the charter school, the teacher receives two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" as required by §
49-5-504
.
(2)
If a teacher does not receive two (2) consecutive years of evaluations demonstrating an overall performance effectiveness level of "above expectations" or "significantly above expectations" pursuant to subdivision (b)(1), then the time the teacher was on leave of absence to teach at the public charter school shall not be used by the local board to determine tenure status of the teacher.
(c)
For salary rating purposes, a teacher shall receive credit for years of service acquired while teaching at a public charter school.
(d)
This section applies to public charter schools authorized pursuant to this chapter.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 60, eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 265, s 2, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 17.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-118 - [Repealed]

Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 61, s 62, s 63, s 64eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 673, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-119 - Eligibility to participate in group insurance plans

Teachers, as defined in §
8-34-101
, and other full-time permanent employees of a public charter school, including a public charter school authorized by the achievement school district or the commission, are eligible to participate in the group insurance plans selected by the governing body of the public charter school. Public charter schools, including public charter schools authorized by the achievement school district or the commission, are entitled to participate in the state group insurance plans selected by the governing body of the public charter school in accordance with §
8-27-303
.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 250, s 1, eff. 4/28/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 65, eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 346, s 1, eff. 5/4/2015.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, §19; 2011 , ch. 507, § 10.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-120 - Reporting requirements

(a)
The governing body of the public charter school shall make an annual progress report to the authorizer and to the commissioner of education. The report must contain the following information:
(1)
The progress of the public charter school towards achieving the goals outlined in the school's charter agreement;
(2)
Financial records of the public charter school, including revenues and expenditures; and
(3)
A detailed accounting, including the amounts and sources, of all funds received by the public charter school, other than the funds received under §
49-13-112(a)
.
(b)
The reports made pursuant to subsection (a) shall be public information pursuant to §
10-7-504(a)(4)
. Based on the information provided to the commissioner of education under subsection (a), the commissioner shall prepare and submit an annual report on charter schools to the education committee of the senate and the education administration committee of the house of representatives.
(c)
In addition to the annual audit of accounts and records of its approved public charter schools pursuant to §
49-13-127
, each authorizer shall submit an annual authorizing report to the department of education and state board of education by January 1 of each year. The report shall include the following items:
(1)
The operating status of the charter schools approved by the authorizer with a designation of:
(A)
Approved but not yet open;
(B)
Open and operating;
(C)
Revoked, including the reason for revocation;
(D)
Nonrenewed; or
(E)
Closed, including date of closing and the reason for closing;
(2)
The oversight and contracted services, if any, provided by the authorizer to the charter schools approved by the authorizer; and
(3)
A performance report for each public charter school it oversees, in accordance with the performance framework set forth in the charter agreement.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 64, s 110, eff. 3/29/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 124, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 66, s 67, s 68, s 69, s 70eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 16, eff. 7/1/2017.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 77, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, §21; 2009 , ch. 555, § 16; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (gg); 2011 , ch. 507, § 11.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-123 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 76, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 24.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-124 - Charter school powers

(a)
The governing body of a public charter school may sue and be sued. The governing body may not levy taxes or issue bonds except in accordance with state law. A public charter school may conduct activities necessary and appropriate to carry out its responsibilities such as:
(1)
Contract for services, except for the management or operation of the charter school by a for-profit entity;
(2)
Buy, sell or lease property;
(3)
Borrow funds as needed; and
(4)
Pledge its assets as security; provided, however, that those assets are not leased or loaned by the state or local government.
(b)
The authorizer may endorse the submission of the school credit bond application to the local taxing authority, if the project is a qualified project under § 54E(c)(2) or § 54F(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (
26 U.S.C. § 54E(c)(2)
and
26 U.S.C. § 54F(d)(1)
, respectively), and the Tennessee State School Bond Authority Act, compiled in chapter 3, part 12 of this title, and with respect to § 54E(c)(2), the applicant can demonstrate that the applicant meets the ten percent (10%) matching funds requirement, as prescribed by § 54E(c)(2).
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 77, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 25; 2005, ch. 414, §8; 2009 , ch. 601, § 9.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-125 - Immunity

The governing body of a charter school shall be subject to the same limits of liability as local school systems and shall provide insurance in accordance with §
49-13-107
for any liability exposure.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, § 26.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-126 - Promulgation of rules and regulations

(a)
The state board of education is authorized to promulgate rules for the administration of this chapter. Rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the commissioner of education shall promulgate rules and procedures for the authorization of charter schools by the achievement school district pursuant to this chapter. Rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 345, s 125, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 78, eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 78, eff. 4/17/2015.
Acts 2002, ch. 850, §27; 2011 , ch. 410, § 4 (hh); 2011 , ch. 466, § 16.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-128 - Annual authorizer fee

(a)
Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, if the local board of education is the authorizer of a charter school, then the local board shall receive an annual authorizer fee that is a percentage of the charter school's per student state and local funding as allocated under §
49-13-112
. The annual authorizer fee shall be the lesser of three percent (3%) of the annual per student state and local allocations or thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) per school.
(b)
The LEA shall use the annual authorizer fee exclusively for fulfilling authorizing obligations in accordance with this chapter.
(c)
If, for any school year, the total amount of authorizer fees collected by the LEA exceeds the amount used by the LEA to perform its authorizing obligations and responsibilities, the LEA shall distribute the amount remaining to its authorized public charter schools. The department shall develop a process to refund the unused fees to authorized public charter schools in the school year immediately following the school year in which the unused fees were collected by the LEA.
(d)
If the achievement school district (ASD) authorizes a public charter school under §
49-1-614
, then the ASD must receive an annual authorizer fee of up to three percent (3%) of the public charter school's per pupil state and local funding as allocated under §
49-13-112(a)
. By May 1 of each year, the commissioner shall set the percentage of a public charter school's per pupil state and local funding that the ASD must receive as the annual authorizer fee for the next school year.
(e)
If the commission authorizes a public charter school under this chapter, then the commission must receive an annual authorizer fee of up to three percent (3%) of the public charter school's per pupil state and local funding as allocated under §
49-13-112(a)
. By May 1 of each year, the commission or the commission's designee shall set the percentage of a public charter school's per student state and local funding that the commission shall receive as the annual authorizer fee for the next school year. Notwithstanding subsection (b), the commission may use the commission's annual authorizer fee to fulfill obligations consistent with the authority of the commission as set forth in this chapter.
(f)
By December 1 of each year, each LEA that collects an annual authorizer fee shall report the total amount of authorizer fees collected in the previous school year and the authorizing obligations fulfilled using the fee to the department of education. The department shall create a standard document for the purposes of this report and shall post the information on the department's website.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 79, s 80, s 81eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 9, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-129 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 57, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2008 , ch. 1133, § 3; 2010 , ch. 930, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-130 - Closure of charter school

Each authorizer shall have a procedure in place for the closure of a charter school prior to the decision to deny renewal or revoke a charter agreement. Closure of a charter school by each authorizer shall be in accordance with the following:
(1)
Within one (1) calendar week of a decision to deny renewal or revoke a charter agreement, a charter school must notify in writing the parents or legal guardians of all students enrolled in the school of the closure decision;
(2)
Within two (2) calendar weeks of an authorizer's decision to close a charter school, the authorizer shall meet with the school's governing body and leadership to establish a transition team composed of staff from the charter school, staff from the authorizer, and anyone else the authorizer deems necessary, who shall attend to the closure, including:
(A)
The transfer of students;
(B)
The release and transfer of student records to the authorizer or the department;
(C)
The release and transfer of personnel records to the authorizer or the department;
(D)
The submission of financial statements to the appropriate authorizer or department;
(E)
The disposition of school funds;
(F)
The disposition of school assets; and
(G)
A school audit pursuant to §
49-2-112
;
(3)
Each authorizer and transition team shall, within thirty (30) days of the decision to close a charter school, communicate to the families of students enrolled in the school all other public school options for which the student is eligible to enroll;
(4)
When a public charter school agreement has been denied renewal or revoked, the public charter school shall not enroll any new students. If the denial of renewal or revocation is overturned on appeal pursuant to §
49-13-122
, then the public charter school may continue to enroll students;
(5)
Each authorizer and transition team shall communicate regularly with the families of students enrolled in the school, as well as with school staff and other stakeholders, to keep them apprised of key information regarding the school's closing;
(6)
Each authorizer and transition team shall ensure that current instruction of students enrolled in the school continues, pursuant to the charter agreement, for the remainder of the school year unless an immediate closure is ordered by the authorizer in accordance with §
49-13-122(h)
;
(7)
Each authorizer and transition team shall ensure that all agencies, employees, insurers, contractors, creditors, debtors, and management organizations are properly notified of the closing of the charter school; and
(8)
The governing body of the charter school shall continue to meet as necessary to wind down school operations, manage school finances, allocate resources, and facilitate the closure.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 82, s 83, s 84, s 85, s 86eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 19, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-131 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 87, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2009, ch. 555, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-132 - List of student names, ages, addresses, dates of attendance and grade levels completed

To effectuate §
49-13-113
, within thirty (30) days of receiving a request from an authorizer or a public charter school approved to operate one (1) or more schools within the geographic boundaries of the LEA, the LEA shall provide at no cost a list of student names, ages, addresses, electronic mail addresses, telephone listings, the most recent school attended, dates of attendance, and grade levels completed in accordance with §
10-7-504
and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (
20 U.S.C. § 1232g
). Such information shall not be released by the receiving entity to outside parties without prior written consent from the parent or eligible student. Each recipient of such information shall adopt and implement a policy allowing parents or eligible students to decline to receive further information from the charter school.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 206,s 7, eff. 4/24/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, Secs.s 88, s 89eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 20, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-133 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 90, eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725,s 58, eff. 4/18/2018.
Acts 2009, ch. 555, § 19.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-134 - Establishment of non-charter public schools of innovation

LEAs in which there exist charter schools or in which charter schools are proposed to be created are strongly encouraged to establish non-charter public schools of innovation using federal funding that is available for such purpose. Such non-charter public schools shall be designed to function as a control group to enable the effectiveness of charter schools to be more adequately assessed through comparative evaluations.
Acts 2009, ch. 555, § 20.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-135 - Method of calculating all terms and costs related to lease, lease-purchase agreement, or other contract or agreement between LEA and charter school

An LEA shall establish a transparent and uniform method of calculating all terms and costs related to any lease, lease-purchase agreement, or other contract or agreement executed between the LEA and a charter school for the use of the LEA's educational facilities. The LEA shall retain and make available for audit, by the department of education, all records and any supporting documentation related to the execution of such a lease or agreement.
Acts 2011, ch. 465, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-137 - Reserved

Repealed by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307,s 21, eff. 7/1/2017.
Acts 2011, ch. 507, § 13.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-138 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 93, eff. 4/26/2019.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 847,s 1, eff. 4/29/2014.
Acts 2012, ch. 794, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-139 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 94, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 794, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-140 - [Repealed]

Repealed by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 95, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 794, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-141 - LEAs sponsoring public charter schools

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, an LEA may be the sponsor of a public charter school. If an LEA sponsors a public charter school, then the commission serves as the authorizer.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219,s 96, eff. 4/26/2019.
Acts 2012, ch. 1065, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-143 - Performance framework

(a)
The performance-related provisions within a charter agreement shall be based on a performance framework that clearly sets forth the academic and operational performance indicators, measures, and metrics that will guide the authorizer's evaluation of each public charter school. The department of education shall develop a model performance framework that includes, at a minimum, student academic performance, achievement gaps between major student subgroups, postsecondary readiness, and financial performance and sustainability. The department of education shall also adopt an opportunity public charter school performance framework in alignment with the state board of education's quality authorizing standards.
(b)
Authorizers may develop and adopt a performance framework for all schools authorized for operation, including both charter and non-charter public schools. If an authorizer has not adopted a performance framework for all of the authorizer's schools, then it must adopt a performance framework aligned to the model performance framework developed by the department of education for the department's charter schools.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1066,s 12, eff. 7/1/2024, app. to opportunity public charter schools applying to open in the 2026- 2027 school year or in a subsequent school year.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 99, eff. 4/26/2019.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 22, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-144 - Public charter schools facilities program

(a)
The commissioner of education is authorized to establish a public charter schools facilities program for the purpose of assisting public charter schools in acquiring and improving property to educate students, including the purchase of property, general capital improvements to existing and available buildings, assistance with any costs associated with the purchase or lease of underutilized or vacant property available pursuant to §
49-13-136
, and assistance with the repayment of debt incurred for existing capital outlay projects.
(b)
The commissioner may award grants and loans through the charter schools facilities program to public charter school governing bodies or charter management organizations for qualifying capital projects as determined through policies developed by the department of education. Such policies shall ensure funds are made available on an equitable basis for the benefit of public charter schools of all sizes, characteristics, geographic locations, and authorizers.
(c)
Subject to appropriations, a public charter schools facilities fund shall be established as a separate account in the state treasury for the purposes of funding approved projects through the public charter schools facilities program. Costs for administering the public charter schools facilities program may be funded from the public charter schools facilities program fund. Amounts remaining in the fund at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund. Moneys in the public charter schools facilities program fund shall be invested by the state treasurer pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 6 for the sole benefit of the fund.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 307, s 23, eff. 7/1/2017.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 13 - TENNESSEE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS ACT OF 2002 (§§ 49-13-NEW — 49-13-145) › Section 49-13-145 - Effective operation of authorizers - Authorizer quality

(a)
The state board of education shall ensure the effective operation of authorizers in this state and shall evaluate authorizer quality.
(b)
In order to evaluate authorizer quality, the state board of education is authorized to conduct periodic evaluations of authorizers to determine authorizer compliance with the requirements of this chapter and with the rules and regulations of the state board of education, and to ensure alignment with the state board of education's quality authorizing standards.
(c)
(1)
If the state board of education finds that an authorizer is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the state board of education, or the state board of education's quality authorizing standards, then the state board of education shall provide the authorizer with written notification of the authorizer's noncompliance.
(2)
The authorizer shall respond to the written notification no later than ten (10) business days after the date of the written notification and shall remedy the authorizer's noncompliance within the timeframe determined by the state board of education. An authorizer's failure to remedy the authorizer's noncompliance may result in a reduction of the authorizer fee provided in §
49-13-128
, as determined by the state board of education.
(d)
The state board of education is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate this section. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5, part 2.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 219, s 100, eff. 4/26/2019.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 14 - HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2004 (§§ 49-14-101 — 49-14-106) › Section 49-14-101 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Higher Education Accountability Act of 2004."
Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 1.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 14 - HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2004 (§§ 49-14-101 — 49-14-106) › Section 49-14-102 - Creation of audit committee - Employment of internal auditor

(a)
The board of regents and each state university board created under chapter 8, part 2 of this title and the University of Tennessee board of trustees created under chapter 9, part 2 of this title shall each create an audit committee. Each board is authorized to select one (1) or more certified public accountants or other qualified citizens who are not members of such board to serve on the audit committee.
(b)
Each audit committee shall employ a person qualified by training and experience to serve as the chief internal auditor. The chief internal auditor shall report directly to the audit committee and respective board and shall be removable only for cause by a majority vote of the respective board. The internal auditor shall file a report on the audit work with the audit committee at least annually.
(c)
An audit committee created pursuant to this chapter shall also be subject to the State of Tennessee Audit Committee Act of 2005, compiled in title 4, chapter 35.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28,s 6, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 14 - HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2004 (§§ 49-14-101 — 49-14-106) › Section 49-14-103 - Establishment of process for confidentially reporting misconduct

(a)
The internal auditor shall establish a process by which students, employees, taxpayers or other citizens may confidentially report suspected illegal, improper, wasteful or fraudulent activity. The detailed information received pursuant to such a report of illegal, improper, wasteful or fraudulent activity or any ongoing investigation of the activity shall be considered working papers of the internal auditor and shall be confidential under title 10, chapter 7. Each year the internal auditor shall include within the auditor's annual report a summary of all completed audit activities pursuant to this chapter.
(b)
Section
8-50-116
shall apply to all higher education employees. In addition, no higher education employee shall suffer any of the actions specified in §
8-50-116
for reporting to or cooperating with auditors or for reporting any facts to the governing boards of public institutions of higher education or to the audit committees of those boards. It is a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly and willingly retaliate or take adverse action of any kind against any person for reporting alleged wrongdoing pursuant to this chapter.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28, s 7, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 3.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 14 - HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2004 (§§ 49-14-101 — 49-14-106) › Section 49-14-104 - Reports - Legislative intent

The governing boards of all public institutions of higher education shall establish a policy requiring that annual reports detailing expenditures made by, at the direction of, or for the benefit of a system head or chief executive of an institution are to be filed with their respective boards. It is the legislative intent that the policy require the report of discretionary expenditures, which shall include, but not be limited to, unrestricted gifts, foundation funds, athletic funds, sponsorship fees, licenses and royalty funds, and other such funds that would not be included in the operating budget for the system head's or chief executive's office. System heads or chief executives shall not have the authority to grant themselves an exception to fiscal, spending, or travel policies established by their boards or by statute.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28, s 8, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 904, §4; 2010 , ch. 891, § 2.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 14 - HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2004 (§§ 49-14-101 — 49-14-106) › Section 49-14-105 - Removal of governing board members for neglect of duty

Members of any governing board of public higher education shall be subject to removal from the board for neglect of duty. The governor may petition for a board member's removal due to neglect of duty and the removal shall be effective upon a majority vote of the voting board members.
Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 5.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 14 - HIGHER EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2004 (§§ 49-14-101 — 49-14-106) › Section 49-14-106 - Hiring of internal auditors - Termination of employment

(a)
The hiring of community college internal auditors shall be done upon the recommendation of the institutional presidents with the approval of the chancellor or designee of the board of regents system. Termination of employment of community college internal auditors shall require prior approval by the chancellor of the board of regents system and the board's audit committee.
(b)
The hiring of campus internal auditors shall be done upon the recommendation of the institutional presidents with the approval of the chancellor or the University of Tennessee president or designee as applicable. Termination of employment of campus internal auditors shall require prior approval by the chancellor or University of Tennessee president as applicable and the board audit committee. Annual or other periodic audits of chief executives shall be performed by an internal auditor or auditors who do not report to the chief executive being audited.
(c)
Annual or other periodic audits of chief executives shall be performed by an internal auditor or auditors who are not employees of the institution of the chief executive being audited. Notwithstanding the foregoing, internal auditors or auditors who report to the board audit committee may perform annual or other periodic audits of the chancellor of the board of regents system or the University of Tennessee president.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 28,s 9, eff. 3/29/2017.
Acts 2004, ch. 904, § 6.
2023 Tennessee Code › Title 49 - EDUCATION (§§ 49-1-NEW — 49-50-1703) › Chapter 15 - COOPERATIVE INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS (§§ 49-15-101 — 49-15-111) › Section 49-15-102 - Chapter definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Consortium" means the consortium for cooperative innovative education created under §
49-15-103
;
(2)
"Dual credit program" means a postsecondary course, taught in a high school by certified secondary instructors, the successful completion of which prepares a secondary student to sit for a postsecondary challenge examination, administered under the supervision of postsecondary faculty or a consortium approved certified secondary instructor. The student's score on the challenge examination shall be used by a postsecondary institution for evaluation to determine the granting of postsecondary credit towards a diploma or a certificate or an associate or baccalaureate degree;
(3)
"Dual enrollment program" means a program in which a secondary student is enrolled in a postsecondary course creditable toward high school completion and a postsecondary diploma or certificate or an associate or baccalaureate degree; and
(4)
"Office of postsecondary coordination and alignment" means the office of postsecondary coordination and alignment in the division of career and technical education in the department of education.
Acts 2007 , ch. 459, § 1; 2012 , ch. 967, §§ 1, 2.