Judge temporarily blocks MNPS from removing LEAD Cameron as zoned middle school

Yahoo

15-02-2025

A judge granted a temporary injunction on behalf of charter school network LEAD Public Schools on Friday, blocking a move by Metro Nashville Public Schools to remove a LEAD campus as a zoned neighborhood school.
LEAD filed suit against MNPS in December, arguing that a decision to remove LEAD Cameron Middle School as the default zoned school in its cluster constituted a breach of contract. The suit also argued that the move to zone students to another traditional middle school in the area would crater both its enrollment and funding and could ultimately force LEAD Cameron to close.
The suit said the move would cause "extreme irreparable harm" to the school and the community around it, and asked the court to block the district's decision.
LEAD is a network of public charter schools that operates five campuses in Nashville, including LEAD Cameron, which is located in the Glencliff neighborhood. The school serves a large population of students of color and students who are economically disadvantaged.
Lawsuit: Nashville school rezoning will cause 'irreparable harm' to LEAD Cameron Middle
The temporary injunction granted Friday means LEAD Cameron will remain a zoned middle school for the 2025-26 school year. The case is still pending, and a final decision will be made once it concludes.
"This decision protects the stability of our LEAD Cameron community and ensures that our students can continue to thrive in the supportive and high-quality learning environment they deserve," LEAD said in an emailed statement issued Friday.
Metro Director of Law Wally Dietz also issued a statement following the ruling.
"We respectfully disagree with the ruling and are evaluating next steps," he said in an email.
The suit, filed in Davidson County Chancery Court, states that a 2021 agreement between LEAD and MNPS designates LEAD Cameron as a zoned school, meaning students who wish to attend public school are automatically enrolled there, unless they opt out to attend a magnet or choice school.
The partnership between LEAD and the district, which began in 2010, was the first of its kind. At present, LEAD Cameron is the only public charter that also functions as a zoned public school. Charter schools are are typically governed by a nonprofit and given more autonomy in how they operate.
Parents could still opt into attending LEAD Cameron if it is ultimately removed as a zoned option.
Reach children's reporter Rachel Wegner at [e-mail] or follow her on Bluesky @RachelAnnWegner.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville schools: Removal of LEAD Cameron from zoned schools blocked