Charter School Renewal Process Page

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 49-13-121, every Tennessee public charter school agreement is for a term of 10 years, beginning on the first day of instruction. In order for a charter school to renew a charter agreement for another 10-year term, the school must submit a renewal application to Shelby County Schools no later than April 1 of the year prior to the year in which the charter agreement expires. Sponsors applying for renewal are required to submit the Charter Renewal Application also found on the TDOE website.

Note: When the April 1 deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or State observed holiday, the application materials are due the next business day.

On or before February 1, the Shelby County Schools Board shall rule by resolution to approve or deny the renewal application. Upon approval of a renewal application, the Board or the charter school may request an update to the Charter Agreement, whichever is applicable, when determined necessary to comply with the charter school’s updated Essential Program Terms and/or the law. Any renewal application denied by the Board shall result in the closure of the charter school in accordance with State law/rules/regulations and Board closure policy and procedures.

If the Shelby County Schools Board denies the renewal application, the charter school governing body may appeal to the state board of education within ten (10) days of the decision to deny. A decision by the state board to deny the renewal of a charter agreement shall be final. No additional appeals may be considered.

Please refer to Shelby County School’s Board Policy 1011, Section XII for more information about charter renewals, including renewal eligibility, evaluation criteria, reports, and decisions. The timeline below has been approved by the board per SCBE 1011.