The Alabama Public Charter School Commission on Monday granted conditional approval to Teens’ Path to Success charter school, pending submission of a more detailed budget.

TPS officials originally pitched their idea to Athens City Schools board members in May, but board members struck down the motion with a 3-2 vote. The Charter School Commission gave a 9-0 approval to TPS Monday.

Rick Carter, director of innovative programs for Athens City Schools, attended the meeting in Montgomery on behalf of the school system. He said state commissioners highlighted concerns from the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.

“(TPS was) approved as long as they can provide in writing a more detailed funding source for the charter school,” he said.

When TPS advocate Rick White spoke at an appeal hearing last week, one of his main selling points was that the school catered to inmates under 21 incarcerated statewide. He said when inmates have access to a high school diploma, it lowers the recidivism rate, thereby benefiting students and taxpayers.

The school’s budget was one problem mentioned by Athens City Schools board members when the presentation was originally discussed. Another issue was TPS’ plan to form a school board.

At the appeal, White provided the names of all prospective board members and their credentials. Those include: Dr. Charnetta Gadling-Cole, interim chair for the Alabama A&M University department of social work, psychology and counseling; David Blair, former Huntsville City Schools board president and vice president; Linda Coats, Madison County district court judge; Chris Pennington, principal of Chickasaw High School; and Cornelia Watson, parent of an at-risk student.