Tennessee Senate Bill SB0169

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13, relative to compensation of charter school staff.

Impact

The primary effect of SB0169 will be to standardize compensation practices among public charter schools across Tennessee. Before hiring or increasing compensation, charter school governing bodies must compare their proposals against the state’s published compensation figures. If a proposed salary exceeds 150% of the statewide average, it requires approval from the school's authorizer. This introduces an oversight mechanism aimed at preventing excessive compensation packages in charter schools, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility.

Summary

Senate Bill 169 (SB0169) seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 13, focusing on the compensation structure for licensed administrative and supervisory staff within charter schools. The legislation mandates that the state comptroller compile and publish average statewide compensation figures for these positions annually, based on role, training, and experience. The intent is to ensure transparency in how public charter schools determine salaries and to align those with established state averages.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB0169 appears generally supportive among proponents of educational reform, as they view the bill as a step toward accountability and adherence to state standards. However, there may be reservations from charter school advocates who fear that such regulations might hinder their operational flexibility. The bill’s focus on salary controls may be welcomed by those concerned about the equitable distribution of state education funds, but it could be viewed as limiting by those advocating for the autonomy of charter schools.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the stipulated requirement for authorizer approval for higher compensation offers. Advocates for charter school independence may argue that such regulations undermine their operational autonomy and ability to attract qualified talent. The balance between maintaining equitable compensation and providing charter schools with the flexibility to make competitive offers presents a significant debate going forward, reflecting broader tensions in educational policy regarding oversight versus autonomy.