It is a power struggle over how charter schools are approved in Tennessee.
     
Many of Nashville's elected leaders are now condemning the plan to give the state more authority.
 
The basic question is simple, who should authorize charter schools?  The state, or local school boards.
    
You may remember the Metro School Board refused to grant a charter for the Great Hearts Academies, and was fined more than three million dollars.
 
Some believe this bill is another form of payback.

Charter schools have become an important part of the Nashville school system, but a new bill would change who approves them.

"This legislation is, for lack a better term, horrid," says Metro School Board Chair Cheryl Mayes.

Many of Davidson County's elected leaders are standing together. They are speaking out over a new plan to allow the state Board of Education to grant charters in both Nashville and Memphis.

"Shows utter disrespect for our local citizens," says Rep. Brenda Gilmore, (D) Nashville.

Right now local school boards have authority over charter applications.
  
Last year Metro's Board made news for repeatedly rejecting an application from Great Hearts Academies.

Some state lawmakers believe it was the wrong choice and the state should step in.

"I'm just shocked the Democrats and others scream to maintain status quo," says Rep. Glen Casada, (R) Williamson County.

Republican Glen Casada says quality charter schools can improve education.

"Provide an awareness so that we can get them out of those failing schools and help them prosper with their lives," says Casada.

Opponents worry about a number of issues including the cost of additional charters, accountability for results, and even opening schools with no minority students.

"And we don't need officials from other parts of the state telling our local elected officials how to act," says Rep. Mike Stewart.   
    
Now Metro Council members may get involved.
  
They will likely consider a resolution in opposition to the proposed legislation, even though it won't prevent a new state law from passing.

"Let the local Board of Education do what they were elected to do," says Metro Councilman Steve Glover.
 
Not every elected leader in Nashville opposes state authority over charter schools.
   
Mayor Karl Dean and House Speaker Beth Harwell both support the plan.
   
The bill will be before the House Education Committee at noon Tuesday.

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