Tennessee Poised to Enact New Student-Centered Education Funding Strategy

Governor Jeb Bush, founder and chairman of ExcelinEd in Action, applauds the Tennessee General Assembly for passing legislation championed by Governor Bill Lee that transforms the state’s education funding, centering it around the needs and priorities of students: 

“This student-centered education funding plan treats all students more fairly and incentivizes student success. It gives schools greater freedom to innovate and parents greater freedom to choose the school that can best serve their children—all while prioritizing education outcomes.

I applaud Gov. Lee, Commissioner Penny Schwinn and the Tennessee General Assembly for their collaboration and support of a forward-looking education funding plan that keeps students, families and educators at the center of it all.”

The Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act SB 2396 converts the state’s outdated school funding system to a simpler and fairer student-centered formula. The legislation passed out of both chambers and is awaiting the governor’s signature.  

Details in the new student-centered education funding formula include: 

• Improved funding for public charter schools, including funding to better support charter school facility needs.   

• Direct funding for students to address and improve early literacy. 
• Performance-based funding for college and career readiness, rewarding schools that prove success, especially for students from low-income households. 
• Substantial funding weights for schools to provide equal opportunity to low-income students and students with disabilities. 
• Career and technical education funding that prioritizes courses leading to in-demand and high-wage careers.