Memphis Business Journal -

The Memphis City Schools Office of Charter Schools has a one-stop shop for Memphians who may be interested in starting a new charter school.

On Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union Ave., a panel of experts will provide information on the application process, budgeting, facilities and board development.

Charter schools are public schools that control their own curriculum, staffing and budget. The schools must be approved by the state and are required to meet state academic standards. In 2009, Tennessee increased the cap of charter schools allowed in the state from 35 to 90. Memphis has the most in the state with 19 and can have up to 35 charter schools now.

This workshop also will have application information available. The deadline to apply for a new charter school is Oct. 1.

At the workshop, Angela Carr, CPA for Memphis City Schools, will discuss budget information; Dan Fitzgerald, State Fire Marshal, will provide information about school facilities; and Matt Throckmorton with the Tennessee Charter School Association will offer guidance on charter school board development.

For more information, contact the Office of Charter Schools at (901) 416-0492.