change and address challenges schools would face
as they transition from traditional models to a more
flexible school model. Another suggestion would
be for the state to establish a pilot program for high
performing districts by authorizing the State Board of
Education to enter into a performance contract with
school districts to grant them more flexibility. These
high performing districts would be a school district
in which a local school board agrees to comply with
certain performance goals contained in a performance
contract that is approved by the State Board of
Education. In return for performance accountability,
the district would be granted greater autonomy with
both statutory and rule exemptions. This is an idea
Governor Lee and his team should explore.
demands of the modern economy. They emphasize
that graduates need additional skills to be successful
in today’s workforce. The State Collaborative on
Reforming Education (SCORE) added: “Across
Tennessee, students are learning in high schools using
models developed for the needs of the 20th century
rather than the workforce opportunities of the future.
As a result, most Tennessee students do not graduate
fully prepared to succeed in college, career, and life.”
Governor Lee stated, “It is time to embrace new,
flexible school models to support new opportunities for
career and technical education, work-based learning
and apprenticeships, and dual-enrollment courses
for students preparing for their career.” We agree.
Some of that is already in the works through recent
legislation. It is time we break down barriers that have
held our teachers, school leaders, and school districts
back from creative solutions necessary for the unique
challenges of their communities. Increasing flexibility at
the local level could lead to incredible innovations in
our state.
State grants that allow local districts to fund high school
redesign would be one manner in which to create
It is past time for the state to make good on its
commitment to teachers. The Comptroller’s Office
of Research and Education Accountability (OREA)
proved that the state of Tennessee invested more than
$300 million for teacher salaries in 2015-2018. Most
of those dollars did not actually end up in pockets of
classroom teachers. Generally, school districts employ
more staff than are covered by the funding system
utilized in Tennessee, known as the Basic Education
Program (BEP). State and local dollars earmarked for
salaries during those years were often spread over
more teachers than the staff positions generated by
the BEP.
The Tennessee General Assembly did address that
school districts in the future must now report where
salary increases are spent. Governor Lee included a
$71 million increase for a “2.5 percent pay raise for
teachers” for the fiscal year 2020. It is time to guarantee
that teacher salaries, at the very least, match the cost
of living increases faced by educators across the state.
Finally, we must update our school funding formula
to reflect changing 21st century needs. We need a
plan and a funding formula that reflects our modern
educational mission, priorities, and strategies. The plan
should support teachers, fund facilities, and facilitate
innovation and technology while striving to better
connect K-12 education with workforce needs.
Governor Lee has proven he will fight for what he
believes in. It is time to come together to focus on
the other education ideas that were discussed on
the campaign trail. It is time to move forward on
these issues to help all children, teachers, schools,
and communities. Let the policy discussion begin.
Communication is critical.
nnessee Education