Tennessee’s school funding formula hasn’t been meaningfully changed in the last 30 years, but in late February Governor Bill Lee and Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn released a proposal that will focus funding on students. The new Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement promises more dollars to every district.
In the first part of the show, WPLN education reporter Juliana Kim explains the differences between the current and proposed funding formulas, and what it will mean for local schools and teachers.
Later, the conversation shifts to the hurdles unhoused individuals deal with as they try to find an affordable and safe place to live in Middle Tennessee. These complications can include mental health and addiction struggles, and something housing advocates call the “time tax on the poor” — a reference to how long it can take to navigate services.
The guests speak about their own experiences living outdoors and the “housing first” approach to ending homelessness.
Tasha Lemley This Is NashvilleTammy is a previously unhoused Middle Tennessean. After living outdoors for nearly 5 years, Tammy and her son Ray were approved for Rapid Rehousing and moved into a temporary unit.
Guests:
- Juliana Kim, WPLN News education reporter
- Gini Pupo-Walker, state director for Tennessee with The Education Trust
- Kim Perkins, currently unhoused
- Allen Searson, previously unhoused
- Laurie Green, director of the Southern Alliance for People and Animal Welfare
- David Langgle-Martin, director of permanent supportive housing and property development services at Park Center
Resources and additional reading:
- WPLN: Governor details new education funding formula, giving schools nearly $7K per student
- Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education: A Closer Look at the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act
- WPLN: Nashville’s First Supportive Housing For The Homeless Aims For Fall 2022 Opening
The lead producer on this episode is Tasha A.F. Lemely. Follow her on Instagram at Tasha_Is_Nashville.
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