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Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >> You may have seen the groups of kids in matching T-shirts walking around downtown Knoxville.More >> You may have seen the groups of kids in matching T-shirts walking around downtown Knoxville.More >> A 67-year-old man is behind bars, accused of heading a major drug operation in Cocke County.More >> A 67-year-old man is behind bars, accused of heading a major drug operation in Cocke County.More >> Official charges have been filed against the former police officer who opened fire at a Bean Station pharmacy, killing the owner and another man, and injuring two women.More >> Official charges have been filed against the former police officer who opened fire at a Bean Station pharmacy, killing the owner and another man, and injuring two women.More >> The Ocoee River in Polk County is now the most visited whitewater rafting river in the United States, according to a study put out by the University of Tennessee.More >> The Ocoee River in Polk County is now the most visited whitewater rafting river in the United States, according to a study put out by the University of Tennessee.More >> Work is beginning to preserve Oak Ridge's historic Alexander Inn with renovations to convert it into an assisted living facility.More >> Work is beginning to preserve Oak Ridge's historic Alexander Inn with renovations to convert it into an assisted living facility.More >> Tennesseans are showing off their volunteer spirit this weekend to help out the people affected by this week's devastating Oklahoma tornado.More >> Tennesseans are showing off their volunteer spirit this weekend to help out the people affected by this week's devastating Oklahoma tornado.More >>
NASHVILLE (AP) - A measure that would create a special panel to authorize charter school applications is advancing in the state Legislature.
The measure was approved on a voice vote in the House Government Operations Committee on Wednesday, and the Senate Education Committee unanimously passed the companion bill 8-0 later that evening.
Currently local school boards decide whether to authorize a charter application. There are 48 charter schools in Tennessee.
Under the new legislation, the nine-member panel would be appointed by the governor and speakers of the House and Senate. Charter applicants would be able to apply to their local school board first, then to the panel if they're turned down. The decision of the panel would be final.
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