State Backs Away from Dramatic Takeover of Struggling Schools

State education officials announced their first steps to overhaul Tennessee’s most underperforming schools Wednesday and the actions are far less dramatic than originally conceived.

As part of the package of reforms passed by the legislature last month to better position for federal grant money in the Race to the Top program, the state created a blue-print for taking over 13 failing schools. It set up what is called the “Achievement School District.” Education Commissioner Tim Webb said it was time to take “daunting and drastic action” in order to achieve a turnaround, and actions might include releasing every teacher and administrator.

However, the state says it won’t take control of Nashville’s Cameron Middle School or Glencliff High, which were both on the list. Instead, Cameron may be slowly turned into a charter school. Glencliff will get more money for programs and may extend the school year. Commissioner Webb says the teachers and principals will remain in place.

“We’re monitoring them under the Achievement School District. We’re providing resources under the Achievement School District. But they still belong to the command and control and governance structure of Metro Schools, as long as that partnership continues to work.”

Commissioner Webb says he’s holstering the strong arm approach for now.

“So the tough talk didn’t go. It’s not just out there hanging. It’s actually reality. But the point is there are other strategies and other ways that we can achieve the same results and do what’s best for children.”

When asked what has changed since submitting the state’s Race to the Top application, Commissioner Webb says he met with teachers and principals and saw “great things going on.”

Webb says the state may avoid taking fully taking over the 11 other schools that are slated to come under state control.