Tennessee House Bill HB1088

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 4/5/23
• Engrossed: 4/13/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act.

Impact

This legislation directly impacts the financial resources allocated to LEAs, promoting a structured approach to funding that rewards growth in student enrollment. The infrastructure stipends are designed to support LEAs in accommodating an increased student population, ensuring that those experiencing genuine growth receive additional resources for facilities and educational needs. By using a flat dollar amount per student for funding, the bill attempts to create uniformity and predictability in how these stipends are distributed, thereby influencing educational resources across Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 1088 aims to amend the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act, focusing on providing infrastructure stipends to local education agencies (LEAs) that experience significant student enrollment growth. Specifically, the bill outlines eligibility criteria for these stipends based on average daily membership (ADM) growth in non-virtual schools. If an LEA maintains an ADM growth exceeding two percent for a three-consecutive-year period, it qualifies for funding; for the 2023-2024 school year, there is also a provision for LEAs that show similar growth over a two-year period if they are not eligible under the three-year rule.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a constructive approach to support LEAs, there are potential points of contention. Critics may raise concerns about the funding mechanisms and whether the appropriations will be sufficient to meet the needs of all eligible LEAs. Additionally, discussions might arise around whether focusing on ADM growth could disproportionately favor larger districts over smaller ones, potentially neglecting the unique challenges faced by districts with slower growth or those already facing financial difficulties. Ensuring fair distribution of resources amidst varying local needs could become a significant topic of debate as this bill advances.