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SB 2318

Schools, Charter - As introduced, allows private postsecondary institutions, including those that are religiously affiliated, to operate a public charter school; allows such institutions to apply to the local board of education or directly to the Tennessee public charter school commission to open a public charter school and to give an enrollment preference to children of the institution's employees or members of its governing body in the same manner afforded to public institutions of higher education. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Allows private, religiously affiliated colleges to operate taxpayer-funded public charter schools with employment-based enrollment preferences for their staff's children.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#charter #schools
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Bill Summary · SB 2318

Legislative bill overview

SB 2318 permits private postsecondary institutions—including religiously affiliated colleges and universities—to establish and operate public charter schools in Tennessee. The bill allows these institutions to apply directly to local school boards or the state charter commission and grants them the ability to give enrollment preference to children of employees and board members, mirroring preferences available to public higher education institutions.

Why is this important

This legislation significantly expands who can operate publicly-funded charter schools, potentially creating pathways for religious organizations to operate taxpayer-supported K-12 schools. The enrollment preference provision could affect school demographics and access, while the direct state application pathway may bypass some local oversight mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious institution involvement in public education: Raises constitutional concerns about separation of church and state, particularly regarding taxpayer funding of religiously affiliated institutions and potential religious instruction or values integration in publicly-funded schools
  • Enrollment preferences and equity: Preference policies could limit access for non-employee families and may create socioeconomic or demographic stratification within charter schools funded by public dollars
  • Accountability and oversight: Private institutions operating public schools may face questions about transparency, standardized reporting, and whether they should be subject to the same regulations as traditional public charters, particularly regarding curriculum and religious content

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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