March 25, 2019
| This Week: Budget, Legislation Updates, Volunteer Opportunities! This week, critical pieces of legislation make their way through the legislature, and the General Assembly marches toward hearings of Governor Bill Lee’s first-ever proposed state budget, which puts a significant focus on K-12 and postsecondary education initiatives. Read below about how to partner with us and Tennesseans from across the state to advocate for policies that help boost student success! |
| Governor Lee’s Budget Puts Focus on Education Totaling $37.8 billion, Governor Lee’s first budget proposal has a primary focus on education initiatives. At Tennesseans for Student Success, we are encouraged by the Governor’s emphasis on providing all our students with high-quality education opportunities and support funding that aligns with our priorities: $25 million for the GIVE Act: We must improve alignment between high school classrooms and the expectations of the global workforce to help employers fill available jobs and secure economic independence. The Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Act would build public-private partnerships to provide access to localized technical trainings and more dual enrollment opportunities. $4 million for the Future Workforce Initiative: As our high school students prepare for postsecondary opportunities and the workforce, it is critical we ensure they are prepared to compete and succeed with students from across the country. This initiative proposed by Governor Lee would increase STEM training in K-12 schools and expand access to AP courses and early postsecondary options for high schoolers. $12 million for Charter School Facilities: Public education is not one size fits all. Students who attend non-traditional public schools deserve clean, safe school facilities. The Governor has proposed$12 million to promote public charter schools facilities funding. $71 million for K-12 Teacher Raises: Our K-12 teachers are essential to ensuring our students are prepared for assessments and the demands of postsecondary institutions and the workforce. Governor Lee has proposed $71 million for a 2.5% pay raise for secondary teachers. $30 million for School Safety: When our students step foot into a classroom in Tennessee, they should feel safe and ready to learn. The Governor has proposed a $30 million investment in our school safety fund for districts with schools that have no school resource officers on duty. If you support improving education across Tennessee, help us by signing a letter in support of Governor Lee’s proposed budget. High Quality Charter Schools Legislation Update HB940/SB796, which is supported by the Lee Administration, would provide a statewide public charter school authorizer.This piece of legislation passed out of the House Government Operations Committee today. On the Senate side, this bill will be heard next in the Senate Government Operations Committee. A statewide authorizer would create a structured accountability framework for authorizers working throughout Tennessee while increasing the number of high-quality public charter schools across our state. Volunteer with Us! Help us celebrate Assistant Principals Week! We will be celebrating Assistant Principal’s April 8- 12 by stopping by schools with a special treat for them and the staff. Nominate an Assistant Principal you think is doing a great job! Join Tennesseans for Student Success on Thursday, March 28th from 5pm – 6pm at District Coffee in Nashville. We will be discussing current and upcoming legislation and how it affects our schools. Come network with others passionate about education in Middle TN. Complimentary food and coffee/tea will be provided and parking is FREE. Register here! Use Your Voice Want to learn more about Tennesseans for Student Success and our legislative agenda? Visit our advocacy center here. |