NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A charter school that has received support from the state, but not the Metro school board, may have to wait a while longer to plant its roots in Nashville.
The school board voted 7-2 on Tuesday to indefinitely defer a decision on Great Hearts Academy until the Arizona-based school can meet a series of Metro demands.
The vote was closely watched by a room full of parents, both for and against Great Hearts, and they had their chance to speak their peace.
Last month, the Tennessee Board of Education overturned the district's original decision to turn down Great Hearts' application, but Metro board members said Tuesday they still want to see their demands met.
Ultimately, the board decided it wants to see Great Hearts show it has developed a diversity plan, will use licensed teachers and will open just one of five planned schools for now before its charter application is approved.
This is a controversy that has been dogging school board members for months, who are concerned Great Hearts Academy would only be accessible to the more affluent parts of the city.
But many Metro parents on hand at Tuesday's meeting pointed to Great Hearts' success with students in Arizona.
The school already has a location planned near I-40 and White Bridge Road in west Nashville. Great Hearts plans to open in time for the 2014-15 school year.
Copyright WSMV 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
