Tennessee Senate Bill SB1872

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 3, relative to the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula.

Impact

If enacted, SB1872 will affect how state funds are distributed to LEAs starting from the 2024-2025 school year. This reallocation aims to provide more financial support to smaller districts, which historically might have received less funding due to their smaller student populations. This is a significant step towards addressing disparities in educational funding, aligning with the statewide initiatives to bolster educational outcomes across varying district sizes. The legislation is seen as crucial for ensuring that even the smallest districts can adequately support their students’ educational needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 1872, introduced by Senator Walley, aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated with regard to the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula. The bill specifically focuses on the weighted allocation for students based on the membership size of local education agencies (LEAs). By redefining the allocation percentages for different ranges of student populations, the bill seeks to ensure more equitable distribution of educational resources. Under the proposed adjustments, smaller LEAs with fewer students will receive a higher percentage of allocation, promoting support for districts that might struggle with funding issues due to their size.

Contention

While many stakeholders support the intent behind SB1872, there may be contention regarding the specific allocation percentages outlined in the bill. Critics might argue that while focusing on smaller districts is essential, it could inadvertently deprive larger districts of necessary funds for essential programs, thus creating a potential imbalance. Discussions around the bill could lead to debates on how best to balance the needs of different district sizes without compromising educational standards statewide.