The Tennessee Public Charter School Commission on Oct. 17 voted to uphold the Shelby County Board of Education’s denial of Iota Community Schools’ application for a new 10‑year charter term to operate Kirby Middle School in Memphis.

Executive Director Tess Stovall framed the decision by reminding commissioners of the statutory choice before them: "your decision here today is whether Iota Community Schools receives a new 10 year charter term to operate the school," she said. Stovall recommended denial after reviewing the totality of the record, saying that while Iota operates wraparound services and has shown strong financial planning, the academic performance record at Kirby did not meet the commission’s standards.

Stovall noted Kirby's TVAS composite score has been the lowest possible (a TVAS composite score of 1) for the last three school years and that recent curriculum changes had not yet produced measurable improvement. She also questioned the applicant’s projected annual enrollment growth of roughly 2 percent for the next decade given historical enrollment inconsistency and the additional challenge of converting a zoned middle school to an open‑enrollment authorizing model. "We did not find that these enrollment projections were realistic," she said.

Commission discussion acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, given that schools are already operating and students and staff would be affected by a transition. Commissioner Patterson noted the legacy of the Achievement School District interventions and urged community coordination if the commission denied the new charter term. Chair Richards and other commissioners cited the lack of sustained academic progress as the decisive factor.

Commissioner Griscom moved to adopt a resolution to uphold the local denial; Hayden called the roll. Commissioners Griscom, Marino, Patterson, Eddie Smith, Lauren Smith and Chair Richards voted yes. With six ayes, the commission adopted the resolution. Stovall and staff said the district indicated it would assume responsibility for operations and begin transition planning immediately if the commission did not grant a new charter term.

The commission’s decision does not immediately close Kirby Middle School; rather, if the district resumes operation, Memphis Shelby County Schools will manage transition and enrollment for affected students. The executive director recommended that the district provide supports for students during any transition period.