“In such manner as the General Assembly may determine.” Get to know that phrase. It could turn into a multi-year debate over who has the last word on education funding in Tennessee. As school systems around the country file lawsuits against state officials to argue for more money, Tennessee is considering the unique step of changing the state constitution instead.
Here’s what the Tennessee Constitution says now:
The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools.
Here’s the proposed change (new part
italicized):
The General Assembly
as the elected representatives of the people
shall provide for the maintenance, support and eligibility standards of a system of free public schools
in such manner as the General Assembly may determine.
“This has to be put in here,” Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, said in an education committee hearing. “We see across the country that there’s judges stepping in and saying, ‘No. We’re going to create the policy for our school systems.’ And that needs to be left with the General Assembly and then especially our local school boards.”
Links While Listening
Read the
bill.
Three-page opinion from Tennessee’s Attorney General,
which starts with the word “no.”
What’s up in
Kansas and
Washington state.
The latest on school funding lawsuits in Tennessee —
Metro Schools may join Memphis and Chattanooga-area districts.
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