SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. - Some Springfield residents are hoping to bring a charter school to their students. Parents believe it could help close the achievement gap at under-performing schools. So far there are 48 charter schools in Tennessee, and officials say that number could grow to over 60 next year. Tonight some Springfield residents are hopeful that a charter can make a difference for students here. Thursday night Springfield residents met to learn more about charter schools and how it could help local students.

"Very interested parent in the charter school," says Connie Collier. "I think every child learns at a different rate, their own pace, and this is something where parents can be more involved."

Schools in Springfield have high populations of low income and Hispanic students, and have posted years of low or failing test scores. County schools have performed better. The divide prompted a federal lawsuit by City Alderman James Hubbard.

"It was getting publicity, people saying don't move to Springfield because the school system is bad," says Hubbard. "That was the straw that broke the camel's back for me."

Charter schools use public money but operate independently, often targeting failing students. Starting one is complex and requires community support, but many produce dramatic results.

"Our charter schools have focused on students academically struggling and when you measure academic growth, we have some of the most rapidly growing public schools in Nashville and in the state, so they do well with those student populations," says the Tennessee Charter Schools Association's Matt Throckmorton.

Springfield is still a long way form getting a charter school, but parents are at least interested.

"There's always different ways to do things and if this is an option that might help some families and children to catch up and get a better education, we at least need to learn about it and do our research," says Kathy Gunn.

This was just an informational meeting tonight, but a lot of parents joined the mailing list to learn more. Because of the deadlines required to start a charter school, officials say the earliest one could open here would likely be August of 2015.
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