June 21, 2022 Aaron Gulbransen

The Tennessee Department of Education (TNDOE) is seeking public comment by August 2 on rules that govern Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding for kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) public schools.

In a tweet amplifying a previous request for public input, TNDOE said, "Informed by input from a variety of stakeholders, all Tennesseans are encouraged to submit public comment on the proposed rules on the TISA public school funding formula by 8/2."

Comments should be e-mailed to Tisa.Rules@tn.gov or mailed to the following address:

Tennessee Department of Education, Andrew Johnson Tower, 9th Floor
710 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN  37243
ATTN: TISA Rules

The draft rules can be found on the TDOE website.

"Thanks to thousands of Tennesseans being involved in the public funding review engagement process and the dedication of Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly, our districts, schools, educators, and most importantly, students, now have an updated public school funding formula that will meet each of their needs," Commissioner Penny Schwinn said. "We hope all Tennesseans will remain engaged and submit comments on the proposed rules as we prepare to implement the TISA in the months ahead."

According to the Tennessee Department of Education, "The TISA Act was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly on April 28, 2022 and was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 2, 2022. Through the passage of the TISA Act, Tennessee's K-12 public schools will now transition to a student-based funding approach and invest an estimated $9 billion in education funding for the state, including state and local funds, which includes an additional recurring state investment of $1 billion starting in the 2023-24 school year."

"The TISA will empower each student to read proficiently by third grade, prepare each high school graduate for postsecondary success, and provide resources needed for all students to ensure they succeed," the agency said.

"The TISA Act specifically requires rule-making in certain areas to further flesh out the law, define terms, and establish processes and procedures for funding disbursements. In alignment with the funding review engagement process, which generated over 1,000 comments, the department will collect public feedback and input that will strengthen the proposed rules that will accompany the statute and ensure its alignment as the state transitions to a student-centered K-12 public education funding formula," TDOE added.

TNDOE also noted that there will be a public rule-making hearing with an additional opportunity to provide public comment will be available during a rule-making hearing.

Details regarding the hearing will be shared when they become available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

https://tennesseestar.com/2022/06/21/tennessee-department-of-education-seeks-public-input-by-august-2-on-rules-governing-school-funding-formula/