NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV-AP) -
The Metro school board is meeting Tuesday for the first time since losing more than $3 million in state funding because of a disputed charter school application.
Now, some lawmakers say a lawsuit might be the only way to get that money back.
Arizona-based Great Hearts Academies had wanted to open five charter schools in Metro, starting with a west Nashville location. However, its application was denied repeatedly by the school board, so Great Hearts ended its bid earlier this month.
In response, the state announced it would withhold $3.4 million in non-classroom funding from Metro Nashville Public Schools.
House Democrats said at a news conference outside the legislative office complex Tuesday afternoon that Haslam's decision was unfair to students at city schools.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner said the withheld funding could be subject to a legal challenge.
"The action of withholding $3.4 million is wrong, and it should be challenged, possibly, in court," said Turner, D-Old Hickory.
Rep. Mike Stewart. D-Nashville, said lawmakers didn't envision the state holding the power to demand the approval of applications when they passed a law allowing more charter schools in Tennessee last year.
Copyright WSMV 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
