Resources Provide Details of Proposed Student-Based Public Education Funding Formula
NASHVILLE: The Tennessee Department of Education released additional resources about the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) to explain how the proposed student-based public school funding formula prioritizes students over systems and reflects Tennesseans’ values.
Starting in the 2023-24 school year, the TISA would invest an estimated $9 billion in education funding for the state, including state and local funds, which would include an additional recurring state investment of $1 billion. The TISA is designed to empower each student to read proficiently by third grade, prepare each high school graduate for postsecondary success, and provide resources needed to all students to ensure they succeed.
“For the first time in over 30 years, Tennessee is in a position to update the way we fund public education to ensure our students are prepared for the future and our state is set up for success through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement,” Commissioner Penny Schwinn said.
Many helpful resources are available at FundingforStudentSuccess.org including:
- TISA By the Numbers: This overview provides a high-level breakdown of Tennessee education numbers associated with the funding review public engagement process and proposed student-based public school funding formula.
- Understanding Local Contribution: An animated video to explain how local and county governments contribute to public school funding.
- TISA FAQs: Developed after conversations with directors of schools across the state, these FAQs provide more detail on implementation of the proposed formula.
Last fall, Governor Lee announced the state would review its public school funding formula. The Tennessee Department of Education and the General Assembly convened 18 funding subcommittees, organized a legislative steering committee, and provided over 1,000 opportunities for the public to engage, including 16 public town halls and local match conversations across the state. This January, Gov. Lee and Commissioner Schwinn released a draft framework for the new student-based K-12 funding formula, which incorporated input from thousands of Tennesseans.
To learn more about student-based funding, Tennessee’s recent public engagement process and subcommittee recommendations, and to access additional resources, visit the department’s website.
For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov.