Tennessee Charter Commission Executive Director Tess Stovall has recommended denying four Memphis charter school proposals, citing concerns over financial readiness, governance, and academic planning.

Memphis-based community members, including parents and retired educators, spoke out in support of a proposed public charter school they hope will help bandage a school district they say has “failed thousands.”

At a recent public hearing, Memphis community members rallied behind the proposed Dream Catcher’s Academy, a K-12 charter school designed to serve students experiencing homelessness.