Tennessee House Bill HB0009

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/12/24
• Refer: 1/16/25
• Failed: 3/25/25

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of HB0009 for state laws are significant, as it revises how funds are allocated based on student enrollment sizes. More specifically, it introduces new percentages for LEAs that cater to various student population sizes. By adjusting the funding mechanisms, the bill is expected to bolster educational resources, particularly for smaller districts serving fewer students. This shift could help local school districts manage their budgets more effectively and address the unique needs of their student bodies, thereby potentially enhancing overall student achievement across Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 0009 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically concerning the Tennessee investment in student achievement formula. The bill makes several modifications to the existing allocations for local education agencies (LEAs) based on their student population sizes. Notably, it proposes to increase the weighted allocation coefficient from five percent (5%) to ten percent (10%) for certain student populations amongst LEAs, which may result in increased funding for those districts with growing enrollment figures. This bill aims to better support the financial needs of educational institutions across the state and ensure that resources are distributed in a manner reflective of their student populations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB0009 appears to be supportive among educators and local government representatives who believe that the adjustments made to the funding formula will contribute positively to educational outcomes. Advocates see the increased allocations as a crucial step towards ensuring equitable funding, particularly for underserved districts. However, some concerns have been raised regarding how these changes might impact districts that do not fall within the specified size brackets, potentially leading to unintended funding disparities.

Contention

While HB0009 has garnered favorable opinions from many quarters, there may also be points of contention among stakeholders. Critics might argue that while the increased funding for certain LEAs is beneficial, it could inadvertently disadvantage smaller or less populated districts if they perceive inequitable treatment in the funding adjustments. As local education agencies adapt to these changes, there may be further discussions about how to balance the funding formula to avoid creating disparities among varying district sizes.