NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — For the first time in 14 years, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) voted to make the county's only public charter school an option. It's left some families feeling a little whiplash. The charter company has sued MNPS.
"It was super disappointing," said Dr. Ricky Gibbs, Head of Schools for LEAD Public Schools, in reaction to the decision from MNPS. "In a city where we consistently talk about doing what's best for students and families... If they could sleep at night with that decision, it would be interesting to me."
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On Monday, LEAD Public Schools and Cameron College Prep filed a lawsuit against MNPS, claiming the board is in "violation of the contracts between LEAD" and the school board.
"We can't look them in the face and say, 'Well, we just stood by and did nothing while your child was zoned to a school that's not a better option,'" Gibbs added.
The lawsuit comes after MNPS voted to change LEAD Cameron Middle School from a 'Zoned" school for those in the Glencliff area to a 'Choice' school. That change means students will now be zoned to Margaret Allen Middle School starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
"Over 80% of the students that attend LEAD Cameron are students who are zoned for LEAD Cameron," Gibbs said.
However, the MNPS vote didn't go forward without a fight. During a November board meeting, several members of the LEAD staff and former students spoke one by one in front of board members, to explain why they believe the school should remain 'Zoned'.
"I spent all four years at LEAD Academy where many of my teachers still teach there today who genuinely cared about my education and well-being," a former LEAD Cameron middle school student said.
"Now, it seems like we are being punished for doing what is best for the families we serve," a LEAD teacher said.
If the vote stands, starting next school year, students will automatically be zoned to a different school, but LEAD Cameron will remain open as an option - meaning if parents want their child to stay, they can apply to the charter school.
However, LEAD officials said not every family may know about their option.
"Those are families that, most of the time, would be families who are economically disadvantaged — families who would be people of color," Gibbs said. "Now, they may not never even know that LEAD Cameron exists."
LEAD made parents aware of the situation on Monday. If the lawsuit fails, the zoning changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year. As of publication, LEAD is awaiting a response from MNPS.
News 2 reached out to the District about the lawsuit and received the following statement:
"We are not able to comment on pending litigation"
Sean Braisted, MNPS