Proposal Calls for Guaranteed Per-Student Funding for Tennessee School Districts

FRANKLIN, TN — Tennessee's school district would be guaranteed a minimum amount of per-student funding under a proposal from a Franklin legislator. Republican State Rep. Charles Sargent told the Williamson County school board he will introduce a bill ramping up state funding for schools when the General Assembly convenes this week.

Sargent, the chairman of the powerful House finance committee, said his bill will increase the state's Basic Education Program funding by 3 percent annually until every district statewide receives $3,600 per student, according to The Tennessean.

On average, the state provides $4,500 per student, but many districts receive less. Williamson County, for example, receives $3,300 per student, and the state's large, urban districts — including Metro Nashville — receive less than the average, as well, which has prompted a lawsuit from MNPS, Shelby County and seven school districts near Chattanooga.

Sargent said no district will lose funding under his bill.

"It will not hurt any school district," Sargent said, according to the newspaper.

Sargent said he is confident he has 38 votes in the House for the bill, which will cost between $17 and $18 million. The bill will need 50 votes to pass the House and another 17 in the Senate.

Image via State of Tennessee