Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-314 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-314
Conditions and requirements for LEA to receive state education finance funds
Status: in_force

(a) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (b) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (c) (1) In order for any LEA to receive state education finance funds as set forth in part 1 of this chapter, the system shall meet the conditions and requirements set out in subdivisions (c)(2) and (3). In order to enforce those conditions and requirements, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, withhold a portion or all of the state education finance funds that the LEA is otherwise eligible to receive. (2) No LEA shall use state funds to supplant total local current operating funds, excluding capital outlay and debt service. This subdivision (c)(2) shall not apply to a newly created LEA in any county where the county and city schools are being combined for a period of three (3) years after the creation of the LEA. (3) (A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for fiscal year 1992-1993 and any subsequent fiscal year, if state funding to the county for education is less than state funding to the county for education during the previous fiscal year, except that a reduction in funding based on fewer students in the county rather than actual funding cuts shall not be considered a reduction in funding for purposes of this subdivision (c)(3)(A), local funds that were appropriated and allocated to offset state funding reductions during any previous fiscal year are excluded from this maintenance of local funding effort requirement. (B) It is the intent of subdivision (c)(3)(A) to allow local governments the option to appropriate and allocate funds to make up for state cuts without being subject to a continuation of funding effort requirement as to those funds for any year during which the state reinstates the funding, or restores the previous cuts, and during any subsequent year should the state fail to restore the funding cuts. (4) (A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if, in any fiscal year, a local government appropriates funds for education for nonrecurring expenditures, including nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) . Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures. (B) If, pursuant to subdivision (c)(4)(A), a local government appropriates nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) for each year that the school is identified as a priority school plus one (1) additional year. Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 14, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 13, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 439, s 1, eff. 5/22/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 622, s 1, eff. 3/22/2016. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 305, s 1, eff. 4/29/2013. Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 11; T.C.A., § 49-613; Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 6, § 14; 1987, ch. 280, §§ 2, 3; 1992, ch. 603, § 2; 2001, ch. 284, § 9.
(a) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(b) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(c) (1) In order for any LEA to receive state education finance funds as set forth in part 1 of this chapter, the system shall meet the conditions and requirements set out in subdivisions (c)(2) and (3). In order to enforce those conditions and requirements, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, withhold a portion or all of the state education finance funds that the LEA is otherwise eligible to receive. (2) No LEA shall use state funds to supplant total local current operating funds, excluding capital outlay and debt service. This subdivision (c)(2) shall not apply to a newly created LEA in any county where the county and city schools are being combined for a period of three (3) years after the creation of the LEA. (3) (A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for fiscal year 1992-1993 and any subsequent fiscal year, if state funding to the county for education is less than state funding to the county for education during the previous fiscal year, except that a reduction in funding based on fewer students in the county rather than actual funding cuts shall not be considered a reduction in funding for purposes of this subdivision (c)(3)(A), local funds that were appropriated and allocated to offset state funding reductions during any previous fiscal year are excluded from this maintenance of local funding effort requirement. (B) It is the intent of subdivision (c)(3)(A) to allow local governments the option to appropriate and allocate funds to make up for state cuts without being subject to a continuation of funding effort requirement as to those funds for any year during which the state reinstates the funding, or restores the previous cuts, and during any subsequent year should the state fail to restore the funding cuts. (4) (A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if, in any fiscal year, a local government appropriates funds for education for nonrecurring expenditures, including nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) . Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures. (B) If, pursuant to subdivision (c)(4)(A), a local government appropriates nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) for each year that the school is identified as a priority school plus one (1) additional year. Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures.
(1) In order for any LEA to receive state education finance funds as set forth in part 1 of this chapter, the system shall meet the conditions and requirements set out in subdivisions (c)(2) and (3). In order to enforce those conditions and requirements, the commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, withhold a portion or all of the state education finance funds that the LEA is otherwise eligible to receive.
(2) No LEA shall use state funds to supplant total local current operating funds, excluding capital outlay and debt service. This subdivision (c)(2) shall not apply to a newly created LEA in any county where the county and city schools are being combined for a period of three (3) years after the creation of the LEA.
(3) (A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for fiscal year 1992-1993 and any subsequent fiscal year, if state funding to the county for education is less than state funding to the county for education during the previous fiscal year, except that a reduction in funding based on fewer students in the county rather than actual funding cuts shall not be considered a reduction in funding for purposes of this subdivision (c)(3)(A), local funds that were appropriated and allocated to offset state funding reductions during any previous fiscal year are excluded from this maintenance of local funding effort requirement. (B) It is the intent of subdivision (c)(3)(A) to allow local governments the option to appropriate and allocate funds to make up for state cuts without being subject to a continuation of funding effort requirement as to those funds for any year during which the state reinstates the funding, or restores the previous cuts, and during any subsequent year should the state fail to restore the funding cuts.
(A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for fiscal year 1992-1993 and any subsequent fiscal year, if state funding to the county for education is less than state funding to the county for education during the previous fiscal year, except that a reduction in funding based on fewer students in the county rather than actual funding cuts shall not be considered a reduction in funding for purposes of this subdivision (c)(3)(A), local funds that were appropriated and allocated to offset state funding reductions during any previous fiscal year are excluded from this maintenance of local funding effort requirement.
(B) It is the intent of subdivision (c)(3)(A) to allow local governments the option to appropriate and allocate funds to make up for state cuts without being subject to a continuation of funding effort requirement as to those funds for any year during which the state reinstates the funding, or restores the previous cuts, and during any subsequent year should the state fail to restore the funding cuts.
(4) (A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if, in any fiscal year, a local government appropriates funds for education for nonrecurring expenditures, including nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) . Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures. (B) If, pursuant to subdivision (c)(4)(A), a local government appropriates nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) for each year that the school is identified as a priority school plus one (1) additional year. Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures.
(A) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, if, in any fiscal year, a local government appropriates funds for education for nonrecurring expenditures, including nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) . Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures.
(B) If, pursuant to subdivision (c)(4)(A), a local government appropriates nonrecurring funds for priority schools, evidenced by a written agreement with the LEA establishing the nonrecurring use of the funds, then such funds must be excluded from the maintenance of local funding requirement and from any apportionment requirement under § 49-3-315(a) for each year that the school is identified as a priority school plus one (1) additional year. Before any such agreement takes effect, it must be reviewed by the department of education to ensure the nonrecurring nature of the expenditures.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 14, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 13, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 439, s 1, eff. 5/22/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 622, s 1, eff. 3/22/2016.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 305, s 1, eff. 4/29/2013.
Acts 1977, ch. 289, § 11; T.C.A., § 49-613; Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 6, § 14; 1987, ch. 280, §§ 2, 3; 1992, ch. 603, § 2; 2001, ch. 284, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-11-801 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 11 / Section 49-11-801
Establishment
Status: in_force

The division of rehabilitation services is authorized to establish and operate a statewide comprehensive rehabilitation and training center at Smyrna. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 720,s 8, eff. 4/12/2018. Acts 1973, ch. 290, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2829.
The division of rehabilitation services is authorized to establish and operate a statewide comprehensive rehabilitation and training center at Smyrna.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 720,s 8, eff. 4/12/2018.
Acts 1973, ch. 290, § 1; T.C.A., § 49-2829.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-178 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-178
[Repealed effective 1/1/2026] Pilot program to award completion grants to college coaching initiative students
Status: repealed

(a) As used in this section, "eligible postsecondary institution" and "Tennessee Promise scholarship student" have the same meanings as defined in § 49-4-708 . (b) The Tennessee higher education commission shall establish a four-year pilot program to award completion grants to Tennessee Promise scholarship students who are eligible for and receiving services as part of the college coaching initiative delivered by Tennessee Promise partnering organizations, and who have an immediate financial need, or who are experiencing a financial hardship, that may prevent the student from completing a postsecondary degree or credential. The Tennessee Promise partnering organizations are responsible for identifying the college coaching initiative students who are eligible for a completion grant under this subsection (b). (c) The pilot program will begin with the 2021-2022 academic year. (d) The commission may contract with one (1) or more entities to administer some or all portions of the pilot program. The commission is encouraged to contract with organizations that are partnering with this state to support the college coaching initiative, which is a proactive, high-impact coaching model that seeks to increase postsecondary matriculation, retention, and completion rates for the most at-risk Tennessee Promise scholarship student population. (e) Throughout the pilot program, the commission shall collect and analyze: (1) The number and percentage of college coaching initiative students who: (A) Applied for a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (B) Received a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (C) Remained enrolled and made progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (D) Withdrew from the eligible postsecondary institution or stopped making progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; and (E) Completed a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (2) (A) The total amount of completion grants awarded, disaggregated by academic year and by each eligible postsecondary institution; and (B) The average amount of completion grants awarded; (3) The financial needs or hardships reported by college coaching initiative students who applied for, but did not receive, a completion grant; (4) The financial needs or hardships reported by college coaching initiative students who applied for and received a completion grant; and (5) Information that the commission believes may assist the general assembly in evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program. (f) Subject to appropriation in the general appropriations act: (1) The commission shall not: (A) Use net proceeds of the state lottery to fund completion grants awarded pursuant to this section; or (B) Award more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in completion grants in the first year of the pilot program or in any subsequent year of the pilot program; (2) The commission shall only use funds available to the commission from the unexpended balance of the qualified work-based learning grant fund established pursuant to § 49-11-903 to award completion grants pursuant to this section; (3) All funds allocated to the commission from the funds available in the qualified work-based learning grant fund for purposes of this section that remain unexpended at the end of a fiscal year do not revert to the general fund, but must be carried forward into subsequent fiscal years to effectuate the purposes of this section; (4) Funds allocated to the commission from the qualified work-based learning grant fund for purposes of this section for each fiscal year must provide the commission with sufficient funds to ensure that the minimum balance of funds available to the commission on July 1 of that fiscal year is not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), including any funds that may have been carried forward from preceding fiscal years; and (5) Any funds that remain unexpended at the conclusion of the pilot program revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year. (g) The commission shall submit an annual report on the outcomes of the pilot program to the education committee of the senate and to the education committee of the house of representatives no later than December 31, 2022, for the first year of the pilot program, and no later than December 31 of each remaining year. (h) This section is repealed on January 1, 2026. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 512, s 1, eff. 5/25/2021.
(a) As used in this section, "eligible postsecondary institution" and "Tennessee Promise scholarship student" have the same meanings as defined in § 49-4-708 .
(b) The Tennessee higher education commission shall establish a four-year pilot program to award completion grants to Tennessee Promise scholarship students who are eligible for and receiving services as part of the college coaching initiative delivered by Tennessee Promise partnering organizations, and who have an immediate financial need, or who are experiencing a financial hardship, that may prevent the student from completing a postsecondary degree or credential. The Tennessee Promise partnering organizations are responsible for identifying the college coaching initiative students who are eligible for a completion grant under this subsection (b).
(c) The pilot program will begin with the 2021-2022 academic year.
(d) The commission may contract with one (1) or more entities to administer some or all portions of the pilot program. The commission is encouraged to contract with organizations that are partnering with this state to support the college coaching initiative, which is a proactive, high-impact coaching model that seeks to increase postsecondary matriculation, retention, and completion rates for the most at-risk Tennessee Promise scholarship student population.
(e) Throughout the pilot program, the commission shall collect and analyze: (1) The number and percentage of college coaching initiative students who: (A) Applied for a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (B) Received a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (C) Remained enrolled and made progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (D) Withdrew from the eligible postsecondary institution or stopped making progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; and (E) Completed a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (2) (A) The total amount of completion grants awarded, disaggregated by academic year and by each eligible postsecondary institution; and (B) The average amount of completion grants awarded; (3) The financial needs or hardships reported by college coaching initiative students who applied for, but did not receive, a completion grant; (4) The financial needs or hardships reported by college coaching initiative students who applied for and received a completion grant; and (5) Information that the commission believes may assist the general assembly in evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program.
(1) The number and percentage of college coaching initiative students who: (A) Applied for a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (B) Received a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (C) Remained enrolled and made progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; (D) Withdrew from the eligible postsecondary institution or stopped making progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; and (E) Completed a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution;
(A) Applied for a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution;
(B) Received a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution;
(C) Remained enrolled and made progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution;
(D) Withdrew from the eligible postsecondary institution or stopped making progress toward a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution; and
(E) Completed a postsecondary degree or credential after receiving a completion grant, disaggregated by each eligible postsecondary institution;
(2) (A) The total amount of completion grants awarded, disaggregated by academic year and by each eligible postsecondary institution; and (B) The average amount of completion grants awarded;
(A) The total amount of completion grants awarded, disaggregated by academic year and by each eligible postsecondary institution; and
(B) The average amount of completion grants awarded;
(3) The financial needs or hardships reported by college coaching initiative students who applied for, but did not receive, a completion grant;
(4) The financial needs or hardships reported by college coaching initiative students who applied for and received a completion grant; and
(5) Information that the commission believes may assist the general assembly in evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program.
(f) Subject to appropriation in the general appropriations act: (1) The commission shall not: (A) Use net proceeds of the state lottery to fund completion grants awarded pursuant to this section; or (B) Award more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in completion grants in the first year of the pilot program or in any subsequent year of the pilot program; (2) The commission shall only use funds available to the commission from the unexpended balance of the qualified work-based learning grant fund established pursuant to § 49-11-903 to award completion grants pursuant to this section; (3) All funds allocated to the commission from the funds available in the qualified work-based learning grant fund for purposes of this section that remain unexpended at the end of a fiscal year do not revert to the general fund, but must be carried forward into subsequent fiscal years to effectuate the purposes of this section; (4) Funds allocated to the commission from the qualified work-based learning grant fund for purposes of this section for each fiscal year must provide the commission with sufficient funds to ensure that the minimum balance of funds available to the commission on July 1 of that fiscal year is not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), including any funds that may have been carried forward from preceding fiscal years; and (5) Any funds that remain unexpended at the conclusion of the pilot program revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.
(1) The commission shall not: (A) Use net proceeds of the state lottery to fund completion grants awarded pursuant to this section; or (B) Award more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in completion grants in the first year of the pilot program or in any subsequent year of the pilot program;
(A) Use net proceeds of the state lottery to fund completion grants awarded pursuant to this section; or
(B) Award more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in completion grants in the first year of the pilot program or in any subsequent year of the pilot program;
(2) The commission shall only use funds available to the commission from the unexpended balance of the qualified work-based learning grant fund established pursuant to § 49-11-903 to award completion grants pursuant to this section;
(3) All funds allocated to the commission from the funds available in the qualified work-based learning grant fund for purposes of this section that remain unexpended at the end of a fiscal year do not revert to the general fund, but must be carried forward into subsequent fiscal years to effectuate the purposes of this section;
(4) Funds allocated to the commission from the qualified work-based learning grant fund for purposes of this section for each fiscal year must provide the commission with sufficient funds to ensure that the minimum balance of funds available to the commission on July 1 of that fiscal year is not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), including any funds that may have been carried forward from preceding fiscal years; and
(5) Any funds that remain unexpended at the conclusion of the pilot program revert to the general fund at the end of the fiscal year.
(g) The commission shall submit an annual report on the outcomes of the pilot program to the education committee of the senate and to the education committee of the house of representatives no later than December 31, 2022, for the first year of the pilot program, and no later than December 31 of each remaining year.
(h) This section is repealed on January 1, 2026.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 512, s 1, eff. 5/25/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2005 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2005
Commission - Powers and duties
Status: in_force

(a) The commission has the power and duty to: (1) Establish minimum standards in conformity with § 49-7-2006 , concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility, that applicants for authorization must meet before the authorization may be issued, and to continue the authorization in effect. The standards must effectuate the purposes of this part, but the standards shall not unreasonably hinder legitimate educational innovation; (2) Receive, investigate as the commission deems necessary, and act upon applications for authorization of postsecondary educational institutions; (3) Maintain a list of postsecondary educational institutions authorized to operate in this state under this part. This list must be available to the public; (4) Negotiate and enter into interstate reciprocity agreements with similar agencies in other states, if, in the judgment of the commission, the agreements are, or may be, helpful in effectuating the purposes of this part; provided, that nothing contained in the reciprocity agreement must be construed as limiting the commission's powers, duties, and responsibilities with respect to independently investigating, or acting upon, an application for authorization or an application for renewal of the authorization for a postsecondary educational institution, or with respect to the enforcement of any provision of this part or any of the rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this part; (5) Receive, maintain as a permanent file, and distribute pursuant to a lawful request for, copies of academic records in conformity with § 49-7-2016 ; (6) Promulgate rules, performance standards, and procedures necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its work and for the implementation of this part, and to hold hearings as it deems advisable or as required by law in developing the rules and procedures. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The commission may, through rulemaking, delegate its powers and duties, as described in this part, to the executive director or to the commission's staff; (7) Investigate, as it deems necessary, on its own initiative, or in response to a complaint lodged with it, any person, group, or entity subject to, or reasonably believed by the commission to be subject to, the jurisdiction of this part, and in connection with the investigation; to subpoena any persons, books, records, or documents pertaining to the investigation, which subpoenas must be enforceable by a court of this state; to require answers in writing under oath to questions propounded by the commission; to administer an oath or affirmation to a person in connection with an investigation; and to hold hearings as it deems advisable or as required by law in aid of an investigation or inquiry; and (8) Exercise other powers and duties implied, but not enumerated in this subsection (a), but in conformity with this part that, in the judgment of the commission, are determined necessary to carry out this part. (b) The commission may require as part of the application for initial authorization of a postsecondary educational institution criminal background checks for all owners and directors of institutions not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education. The results of the background checks under this section shall be confidential and not open to public inspection. (c) The commission may employ other employees it deems necessary to discharge the duties imposed by this part and shall prescribe their duties and, within budgetary limitations, fix their compensation, subject to the approval of the commissioners of finance and administration and human resources. (d) To effectuate the purposes of this part, the commission may request from any department, division, board, bureau, agency or commission, and the department, division, board, bureau, agency or commission shall provide, information that will enable the commission to exercise properly its powers and perform its duties under this part. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 12, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 10, eff. 10/1/2016. Acts 1961, ch. 112, §§ 5, 6; 1974, ch. 781, §§ 5, 6; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(135); 1983, ch. 398, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 49-3905, 49-3906; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 2; 1998, ch. 685, § 1; 2004, ch. 831, § 2; 2006, ch. 766, § 4.
(a) The commission has the power and duty to: (1) Establish minimum standards in conformity with § 49-7-2006 , concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility, that applicants for authorization must meet before the authorization may be issued, and to continue the authorization in effect. The standards must effectuate the purposes of this part, but the standards shall not unreasonably hinder legitimate educational innovation; (2) Receive, investigate as the commission deems necessary, and act upon applications for authorization of postsecondary educational institutions; (3) Maintain a list of postsecondary educational institutions authorized to operate in this state under this part. This list must be available to the public; (4) Negotiate and enter into interstate reciprocity agreements with similar agencies in other states, if, in the judgment of the commission, the agreements are, or may be, helpful in effectuating the purposes of this part; provided, that nothing contained in the reciprocity agreement must be construed as limiting the commission's powers, duties, and responsibilities with respect to independently investigating, or acting upon, an application for authorization or an application for renewal of the authorization for a postsecondary educational institution, or with respect to the enforcement of any provision of this part or any of the rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this part; (5) Receive, maintain as a permanent file, and distribute pursuant to a lawful request for, copies of academic records in conformity with § 49-7-2016 ; (6) Promulgate rules, performance standards, and procedures necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its work and for the implementation of this part, and to hold hearings as it deems advisable or as required by law in developing the rules and procedures. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The commission may, through rulemaking, delegate its powers and duties, as described in this part, to the executive director or to the commission's staff; (7) Investigate, as it deems necessary, on its own initiative, or in response to a complaint lodged with it, any person, group, or entity subject to, or reasonably believed by the commission to be subject to, the jurisdiction of this part, and in connection with the investigation; to subpoena any persons, books, records, or documents pertaining to the investigation, which subpoenas must be enforceable by a court of this state; to require answers in writing under oath to questions propounded by the commission; to administer an oath or affirmation to a person in connection with an investigation; and to hold hearings as it deems advisable or as required by law in aid of an investigation or inquiry; and (8) Exercise other powers and duties implied, but not enumerated in this subsection (a), but in conformity with this part that, in the judgment of the commission, are determined necessary to carry out this part.
(1) Establish minimum standards in conformity with § 49-7-2006 , concerning the provision of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility, that applicants for authorization must meet before the authorization may be issued, and to continue the authorization in effect. The standards must effectuate the purposes of this part, but the standards shall not unreasonably hinder legitimate educational innovation;
(2) Receive, investigate as the commission deems necessary, and act upon applications for authorization of postsecondary educational institutions;
(3) Maintain a list of postsecondary educational institutions authorized to operate in this state under this part. This list must be available to the public;
(4) Negotiate and enter into interstate reciprocity agreements with similar agencies in other states, if, in the judgment of the commission, the agreements are, or may be, helpful in effectuating the purposes of this part; provided, that nothing contained in the reciprocity agreement must be construed as limiting the commission's powers, duties, and responsibilities with respect to independently investigating, or acting upon, an application for authorization or an application for renewal of the authorization for a postsecondary educational institution, or with respect to the enforcement of any provision of this part or any of the rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this part;
(5) Receive, maintain as a permanent file, and distribute pursuant to a lawful request for, copies of academic records in conformity with § 49-7-2016 ;
(6) Promulgate rules, performance standards, and procedures necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its work and for the implementation of this part, and to hold hearings as it deems advisable or as required by law in developing the rules and procedures. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5. The commission may, through rulemaking, delegate its powers and duties, as described in this part, to the executive director or to the commission's staff;
(7) Investigate, as it deems necessary, on its own initiative, or in response to a complaint lodged with it, any person, group, or entity subject to, or reasonably believed by the commission to be subject to, the jurisdiction of this part, and in connection with the investigation; to subpoena any persons, books, records, or documents pertaining to the investigation, which subpoenas must be enforceable by a court of this state; to require answers in writing under oath to questions propounded by the commission; to administer an oath or affirmation to a person in connection with an investigation; and to hold hearings as it deems advisable or as required by law in aid of an investigation or inquiry; and
(8) Exercise other powers and duties implied, but not enumerated in this subsection (a), but in conformity with this part that, in the judgment of the commission, are determined necessary to carry out this part.
(b) The commission may require as part of the application for initial authorization of a postsecondary educational institution criminal background checks for all owners and directors of institutions not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education. The results of the background checks under this section shall be confidential and not open to public inspection.
(c) The commission may employ other employees it deems necessary to discharge the duties imposed by this part and shall prescribe their duties and, within budgetary limitations, fix their compensation, subject to the approval of the commissioners of finance and administration and human resources.
(d) To effectuate the purposes of this part, the commission may request from any department, division, board, bureau, agency or commission, and the department, division, board, bureau, agency or commission shall provide, information that will enable the commission to exercise properly its powers and perform its duties under this part.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 12, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 10, eff. 10/1/2016.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, §§ 5, 6; 1974, ch. 781, §§ 5, 6; 1976, ch. 806, § 1(135); 1983, ch. 398, § 4; T.C.A., §§ 49-3905, 49-3906; Acts 1992, ch. 1026, § 2; 1998, ch. 685, § 1; 2004, ch. 831, § 2; 2006, ch. 766, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-115 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-115
Family resource centers
Status: in_force

(a) Family resource centers may be established by any LEA in order to coordinate state and community services to help meet the needs of families with children. An LEA may directly operate its own family resource centers or may contract with a locally based nonprofit agency, including a community action agency, to operate one (1) or more such centers on behalf of the LEA. Each center shall be located in or near a school. The local school board shall appoint community service providers and parents to serve on an advisory council for each family resource center. Parents shall comprise a majority of each advisory council. (b) Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) funds may be expended by an LEA to plan and implement a family resource center. The application for such approval shall identify a full-time director and other professional staff from the school or community, or both, which may include psychologists, school counselors, social workers, nurses, instructional assistants and teachers. In establishing family resource centers, the department shall consult with the departments of health, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, and children's services. (c) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (d) LEAs with state approved family resource centers may be given priority in receiving additional state funding for: (1) Formal parent involvement programs in elementary schools; (2) Early childhood programs for children at-risk; (3) Programs for parents with preschool at-risk children; (4) Learning centers in urban housing projects; (5) Programs in high schools for pregnant teenagers; and (6) "Jobs for Tennessee Graduates" in high schools. (e) (1) Family resource centers shall provide interagency services/resources information on issues such as parent training, crisis intervention, respite care and counseling needs for families of children with behavioral/emotional disorders. (2) Family resource centers shall serve the function of being the center of information sharing and resource facilitation for such families. (3) Family resource centers shall also serve the function of helping families answer questions regarding funding for the options of service their child or family requires. (f) The purpose of each family resource center shall be to maximize the potential learning capacity of the child by ensuring that school environments and neighborhoods are safe and socially enriching, that families are strong and able to protect children and meet their basic needs and that children are physically healthy, emotionally stable, socially well-adjusted and able to connect with enriching opportunities and experiences in their schools and communities. In order to enable children to attain the most benefit possible from the time they spend in educational settings, the family resource centers shall focus on providing information to families about resources, support and benefits available in the community and on developing a coordinated system of care for children in the community in order to effectuate this purpose. (g) The department of education and the department of children's services shall jointly develop guidelines for the operation of family resource centers, focusing on the requirements of this section, including the stated purpose of family resource centers in subsection (f). The guidelines shall be used by all family resource centers established pursuant to this section. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 135, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 43, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 42, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 20, s 21 eff. 5/2/2019. Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 85; 1994, ch. 974, § 5; 1994, ch. 985, § 2; 1995, ch. 538, § 2; 1996, ch. 1079, §§ 140, 142; 1999, ch. 367, § 5; 2005, ch. 192, § 1; 2011 , ch. 158, § 24; 2012 , ch. 575, § 1.
(a) Family resource centers may be established by any LEA in order to coordinate state and community services to help meet the needs of families with children. An LEA may directly operate its own family resource centers or may contract with a locally based nonprofit agency, including a community action agency, to operate one (1) or more such centers on behalf of the LEA. Each center shall be located in or near a school. The local school board shall appoint community service providers and parents to serve on an advisory council for each family resource center. Parents shall comprise a majority of each advisory council.
(b) Tennessee investment in student achievement formula (TISA) funds may be expended by an LEA to plan and implement a family resource center. The application for such approval shall identify a full-time director and other professional staff from the school or community, or both, which may include psychologists, school counselors, social workers, nurses, instructional assistants and teachers. In establishing family resource centers, the department shall consult with the departments of health, mental health and substance abuse services, disability and aging, and children's services.
(c) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(d) LEAs with state approved family resource centers may be given priority in receiving additional state funding for: (1) Formal parent involvement programs in elementary schools; (2) Early childhood programs for children at-risk; (3) Programs for parents with preschool at-risk children; (4) Learning centers in urban housing projects; (5) Programs in high schools for pregnant teenagers; and (6) "Jobs for Tennessee Graduates" in high schools.
(1) Formal parent involvement programs in elementary schools;
(2) Early childhood programs for children at-risk;
(3) Programs for parents with preschool at-risk children;
(4) Learning centers in urban housing projects;
(5) Programs in high schools for pregnant teenagers; and
(6) "Jobs for Tennessee Graduates" in high schools.
(e) (1) Family resource centers shall provide interagency services/resources information on issues such as parent training, crisis intervention, respite care and counseling needs for families of children with behavioral/emotional disorders. (2) Family resource centers shall serve the function of being the center of information sharing and resource facilitation for such families. (3) Family resource centers shall also serve the function of helping families answer questions regarding funding for the options of service their child or family requires.
(1) Family resource centers shall provide interagency services/resources information on issues such as parent training, crisis intervention, respite care and counseling needs for families of children with behavioral/emotional disorders.
(2) Family resource centers shall serve the function of being the center of information sharing and resource facilitation for such families.
(3) Family resource centers shall also serve the function of helping families answer questions regarding funding for the options of service their child or family requires.
(f) The purpose of each family resource center shall be to maximize the potential learning capacity of the child by ensuring that school environments and neighborhoods are safe and socially enriching, that families are strong and able to protect children and meet their basic needs and that children are physically healthy, emotionally stable, socially well-adjusted and able to connect with enriching opportunities and experiences in their schools and communities. In order to enable children to attain the most benefit possible from the time they spend in educational settings, the family resource centers shall focus on providing information to families about resources, support and benefits available in the community and on developing a coordinated system of care for children in the community in order to effectuate this purpose.
(g) The department of education and the department of children's services shall jointly develop guidelines for the operation of family resource centers, focusing on the requirements of this section, including the stated purpose of family resource centers in subsection (f). The guidelines shall be used by all family resource centers established pursuant to this section.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 688,s 135, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 43, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 966, s 42, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 248, Secs.s 20, s 21 eff. 5/2/2019.
Acts 1992, ch. 535, § 85; 1994, ch. 974, § 5; 1994, ch. 985, § 2; 1995, ch. 538, § 2; 1996, ch. 1079, §§ 140, 142; 1999, ch. 367, § 5; 2005, ch. 192, § 1; 2011 , ch. 158, § 24; 2012 , ch. 575, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-105
Application for funding and approval - Collaborative agreements
Status: in_force

(a) LEAs may apply to the department of education for funding and approval of one (1) or more pre-kindergarten programs. LEAs may contract and enter into collaborative agreements for operation of these programs with nonschool system entities in the geographical area served by the LEA, including, but not limited to, nonprofit and for-profit child care providers and Head Start programs. LEAs shall not contract or collaborate with any child care provider licensed by the department of human services, unless that provider has attained the highest designation under the rated licensing system administered by the department of human services, pursuant to title 71, chapter 3, part 5. (b) As part of the application process, the LEA shall include a statement that it has given consideration to how to serve all children four (4) years of age within the geographical area served by the LEA, in the event programs are later authorized for all children, regardless of at risk status. The long range plan shall include the proposed sources of local matching funds required under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110. Where applicable, the LEA is encouraged to include a resolution of support from the local governing body indicating intent to appropriate the required local matching funds. Applications that target establishing programs for at-risk children not served by an existing program shall be given preference in the application process. Documentation of local financial support shall also be considered as a factor in the application process. LEAs are encouraged to collaborate with nonschool system entities where such collaboration provides an efficient means for expansion of pre-kindergarten classrooms authorized under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110. (c) The commissioner of education shall establish the system for submitting applications and, subject to available funding, programs shall be approved on a competitive basis. (d) An LEA shall include as part of its application: (1) A plan for ensuring coordination between voluntary pre-kindergarten classrooms and elementary schools within the LEA, with the goal of ensuring that elementary grade instruction builds upon pre-kindergarten classroom experiences; (2) A plan for engaging parents and families of voluntary pre-kindergarten students throughout the school year; and (3) A plan for delivering relevant and meaningful professional development to voluntary pre-kindergarten teachers, specific to ensuring a high quality pre-kindergarten experience. (e) LEAs that receive pre-kindergarten program approval under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110 shall utilize the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA, in the evaluation of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers pursuant to § 49-1-302 . (f) Each LEA shall notify all teachers evaluated using a growth portfolio model of training and professional development opportunities available on growth portfolio models. (g) Prior to the 2018-2019 school year, the department of education shall study the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model, including the portfolio rubric, the method for the collection and submission of student work artifacts, and scoring. The study shall include feedback from pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, as well as other teachers using other growth portfolio models. (h) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (e) or § 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ix) , the state shall not require pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers employed in an LEA that receives pre-kindergarten program approval under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110 to be evaluated using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year. (2) This subsection (h) does not prohibit an LEA or public charter school from evaluating pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year. If an LEA or public charter school chooses to evaluate its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, for the 2020-2021 school year, using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, then the LEA or public charter school must notify the department by March 1, 2021. (3) If an LEA or public charter school chooses to evaluate its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year, using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, then data generated from the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model, or the comparable alternative measure of student growth, shall not comprise the student growth portion of a teacher's evaluation, as described in § 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ii) , unless such use results in a higher final evaluation score for the teacher. (4) As used in this subsection (h), "final evaluation score" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-1-302(d)(8) . (i) Selection of voluntary pre-kindergarten program sites must take into consideration the areas of greatest need, which may be determined by, but not limited to: (1) School service areas with high percentages of children from families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or (2) Access to early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs within the county. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 957, s 3, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2, Secs.s 7, s 8, s 9 eff. 2/3/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 3, eff. 4/2/2020. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 5/10/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 751, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/18/2018. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 703, s 3, eff. 4/6/2016. Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 1.
(a) LEAs may apply to the department of education for funding and approval of one (1) or more pre-kindergarten programs. LEAs may contract and enter into collaborative agreements for operation of these programs with nonschool system entities in the geographical area served by the LEA, including, but not limited to, nonprofit and for-profit child care providers and Head Start programs. LEAs shall not contract or collaborate with any child care provider licensed by the department of human services, unless that provider has attained the highest designation under the rated licensing system administered by the department of human services, pursuant to title 71, chapter 3, part 5.
(b) As part of the application process, the LEA shall include a statement that it has given consideration to how to serve all children four (4) years of age within the geographical area served by the LEA, in the event programs are later authorized for all children, regardless of at risk status. The long range plan shall include the proposed sources of local matching funds required under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110. Where applicable, the LEA is encouraged to include a resolution of support from the local governing body indicating intent to appropriate the required local matching funds. Applications that target establishing programs for at-risk children not served by an existing program shall be given preference in the application process. Documentation of local financial support shall also be considered as a factor in the application process. LEAs are encouraged to collaborate with nonschool system entities where such collaboration provides an efficient means for expansion of pre-kindergarten classrooms authorized under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110.
(c) The commissioner of education shall establish the system for submitting applications and, subject to available funding, programs shall be approved on a competitive basis.
(d) An LEA shall include as part of its application: (1) A plan for ensuring coordination between voluntary pre-kindergarten classrooms and elementary schools within the LEA, with the goal of ensuring that elementary grade instruction builds upon pre-kindergarten classroom experiences; (2) A plan for engaging parents and families of voluntary pre-kindergarten students throughout the school year; and (3) A plan for delivering relevant and meaningful professional development to voluntary pre-kindergarten teachers, specific to ensuring a high quality pre-kindergarten experience.
(1) A plan for ensuring coordination between voluntary pre-kindergarten classrooms and elementary schools within the LEA, with the goal of ensuring that elementary grade instruction builds upon pre-kindergarten classroom experiences;
(2) A plan for engaging parents and families of voluntary pre-kindergarten students throughout the school year; and
(3) A plan for delivering relevant and meaningful professional development to voluntary pre-kindergarten teachers, specific to ensuring a high quality pre-kindergarten experience.
(e) LEAs that receive pre-kindergarten program approval under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110 shall utilize the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA, in the evaluation of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers pursuant to § 49-1-302 .
(f) Each LEA shall notify all teachers evaluated using a growth portfolio model of training and professional development opportunities available on growth portfolio models.
(g) Prior to the 2018-2019 school year, the department of education shall study the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model, including the portfolio rubric, the method for the collection and submission of student work artifacts, and scoring. The study shall include feedback from pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, as well as other teachers using other growth portfolio models.
(h) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (e) or § 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ix) , the state shall not require pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers employed in an LEA that receives pre-kindergarten program approval under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110 to be evaluated using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year. (2) This subsection (h) does not prohibit an LEA or public charter school from evaluating pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year. If an LEA or public charter school chooses to evaluate its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, for the 2020-2021 school year, using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, then the LEA or public charter school must notify the department by March 1, 2021. (3) If an LEA or public charter school chooses to evaluate its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year, using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, then data generated from the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model, or the comparable alternative measure of student growth, shall not comprise the student growth portion of a teacher's evaluation, as described in § 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ii) , unless such use results in a higher final evaluation score for the teacher. (4) As used in this subsection (h), "final evaluation score" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-1-302(d)(8) .
(1) Notwithstanding subsection (e) or § 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ix) , the state shall not require pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers employed in an LEA that receives pre-kindergarten program approval under §§ 49-6-103 - 49-6-110 to be evaluated using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year.
(2) This subsection (h) does not prohibit an LEA or public charter school from evaluating pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year. If an LEA or public charter school chooses to evaluate its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, for the 2020-2021 school year, using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, then the LEA or public charter school must notify the department by March 1, 2021.
(3) If an LEA or public charter school chooses to evaluate its pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teachers, for the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year, using the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model approved by the state board of education, or a comparable alternative measure of student growth approved by the state board of education and adopted by the LEA or public charter school, then data generated from the pre-k/kindergarten growth portfolio model, or the comparable alternative measure of student growth, shall not comprise the student growth portion of a teacher's evaluation, as described in § 49-1-302(d)(2)(B)(ii) , unless such use results in a higher final evaluation score for the teacher.
(4) As used in this subsection (h), "final evaluation score" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-1-302(d)(8) .
(i) Selection of voluntary pre-kindergarten program sites must take into consideration the areas of greatest need, which may be determined by, but not limited to: (1) School service areas with high percentages of children from families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or (2) Access to early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs within the county.
(1) School service areas with high percentages of children from families with incomes that meet the eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price lunch, as determined pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1771 ; or
(2) Access to early childhood education and pre-kindergarten programs within the county.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 957, s 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021EX1 Tenn. Acts, ch. 2, Secs.s 7, s 8, s 9 eff. 2/3/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 652, s 3, eff. 4/2/2020.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 376, s 1, eff. 5/10/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 751, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 703, s 3, eff. 4/6/2016.
Acts 2005, ch. 312, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-104 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-104
Maximum class size - Waiver - Split-grade classes
Status: in_force

(a) It is the intent of the general assembly that every LEA move expeditiously and promptly toward the goals established in this section, and to that end, neither the commissioner nor the state board of education shall grant waivers from the maximum class sizes established in this section. Every public local school system shall have as a policy that pupil-teacher ratios should not exceed the averages prescribed in this section. In no school building shall the average size of any grade level unit prescribed in this section exceed the stated average, though any individual class within that unit may exceed the average; provided, that no class shall exceed the prescribed maximum size. Grade Level Average Maximum Class Size K-3 20 25 4-6 25 30 7-12 30 35 Career and Technical Education 20 25 (b) The state board of education, in consultation with the state department of education, shall establish class size standards and case load standards for instructional personnel and teachers having the primary responsibility for the development, implementation and updating of a student's individualized education plan (IEP). In addition to case load requirements, these standards shall address class size in all classrooms that include students with disabilities and students eligible for special education services. (c) The average pupil/teacher ratios in this section shall establish the minimum number of regular classroom teaching positions in a school exclusive of the principal, assistant principal, counselor, elementary art, elementary music, elementary physical education, librarian, special education or other specialized positions. (d) Class size limits may be exceeded in such areas as typewriting, junior reserve officers' training corps (JROTC) and instrumental and vocal music classes; provided, that the effectiveness of the instructional program in these areas is not impaired. (e) (1) No local school system shall establish split-grade classes for the purpose of complying with this section. This subsection (e) does not prevent school systems from using transitional, ungraded or unstructured classes. (2) No local school system shall establish split-grade classes for any purpose without the approval of the local board of education. (3) The average size specified for the grade levels involved in split-grade classes will be the maximum size allowed in such classes, notwithstanding the maximum size otherwise allowed by this section. (f) In the event of a natural disaster that results in the enrollment of displaced students, the commissioner of education may grant a waiver from the maximum class sizes established in this section. (g) (1) LEAs that use the career academy or small learning community model may extend class sizes in career and technical education (CTE) classes in grades nine through twelve (9-12); provided, that the CTE class sizes do not exceed the maximum class size set for general education classes in grades seven through twelve (7-12). (2) LEAs may seek a waiver from the commissioner of education to extend the CTE class size average in grades nine through twelve (9-12); provided, that the CTE class sizes do not exceed the maximum class size set for CTE classes. (3) LEAs may extend CTE class sizes and averages for CTE classes in grades six through eight (6-8); provided, that CTE classes in grades six through eight (6-8) must not exceed the maximum class size and average set for general education classes in grades seven through twelve (7-12). (h) Any LEA operating a virtual school or virtual education program shall not exceed the teacher/pupil ratio for virtual schools set by the state board of education. (i) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the commissioner, upon request by an LEA, may grant a waiver from the average class sizes established in this section to assist the LEA in funding a grow your own program pursuant to criteria established by the department. (2) As used in this section, "grow your own" means a partnership between an educator preparation provider, approved by the state board of education, and one (1) or more LEAs to coordinate a program for the preparation and licensure of teachers that integrates education content with a public school classroom internship that includes structured feedback and coaching from an experienced teacher serving as a mentor. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 712,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 587, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 1, eff. 4/18/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 669, s 1, eff. 4/12/2018. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 7, eff. 4/17/2015. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55, s 2, eff. 4/6/2015. Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 7, § 100; 1992, ch. 535, § 37; 2001, ch. 374, § 1; 2006, ch. 579, § 1; 2007 , ch. 313, § 1; 2008 , ch. 993, § 1; 2010 , ch. 696, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 558, § 1; 2012 , ch. 999, § 1.
(a) It is the intent of the general assembly that every LEA move expeditiously and promptly toward the goals established in this section, and to that end, neither the commissioner nor the state board of education shall grant waivers from the maximum class sizes established in this section. Every public local school system shall have as a policy that pupil-teacher ratios should not exceed the averages prescribed in this section. In no school building shall the average size of any grade level unit prescribed in this section exceed the stated average, though any individual class within that unit may exceed the average; provided, that no class shall exceed the prescribed maximum size. Grade Level Average Maximum Class Size K-3 20 25 4-6 25 30 7-12 30 35 Career and Technical Education 20 25
Grade Level Average Maximum Class Size K-3 20 25 4-6 25 30 7-12 30 35 Career and Technical Education 20 25
Grade Level
Average
Maximum Class Size
K-3
20
25
4-6
25
30
7-12
30
35
Career and Technical Education
20
25
(b) The state board of education, in consultation with the state department of education, shall establish class size standards and case load standards for instructional personnel and teachers having the primary responsibility for the development, implementation and updating of a student's individualized education plan (IEP). In addition to case load requirements, these standards shall address class size in all classrooms that include students with disabilities and students eligible for special education services.
(c) The average pupil/teacher ratios in this section shall establish the minimum number of regular classroom teaching positions in a school exclusive of the principal, assistant principal, counselor, elementary art, elementary music, elementary physical education, librarian, special education or other specialized positions.
(d) Class size limits may be exceeded in such areas as typewriting, junior reserve officers' training corps (JROTC) and instrumental and vocal music classes; provided, that the effectiveness of the instructional program in these areas is not impaired.
(e) (1) No local school system shall establish split-grade classes for the purpose of complying with this section. This subsection (e) does not prevent school systems from using transitional, ungraded or unstructured classes. (2) No local school system shall establish split-grade classes for any purpose without the approval of the local board of education. (3) The average size specified for the grade levels involved in split-grade classes will be the maximum size allowed in such classes, notwithstanding the maximum size otherwise allowed by this section.
(1) No local school system shall establish split-grade classes for the purpose of complying with this section. This subsection (e) does not prevent school systems from using transitional, ungraded or unstructured classes.
(2) No local school system shall establish split-grade classes for any purpose without the approval of the local board of education.
(3) The average size specified for the grade levels involved in split-grade classes will be the maximum size allowed in such classes, notwithstanding the maximum size otherwise allowed by this section.
(f) In the event of a natural disaster that results in the enrollment of displaced students, the commissioner of education may grant a waiver from the maximum class sizes established in this section.
(g) (1) LEAs that use the career academy or small learning community model may extend class sizes in career and technical education (CTE) classes in grades nine through twelve (9-12); provided, that the CTE class sizes do not exceed the maximum class size set for general education classes in grades seven through twelve (7-12). (2) LEAs may seek a waiver from the commissioner of education to extend the CTE class size average in grades nine through twelve (9-12); provided, that the CTE class sizes do not exceed the maximum class size set for CTE classes. (3) LEAs may extend CTE class sizes and averages for CTE classes in grades six through eight (6-8); provided, that CTE classes in grades six through eight (6-8) must not exceed the maximum class size and average set for general education classes in grades seven through twelve (7-12).
(1) LEAs that use the career academy or small learning community model may extend class sizes in career and technical education (CTE) classes in grades nine through twelve (9-12); provided, that the CTE class sizes do not exceed the maximum class size set for general education classes in grades seven through twelve (7-12).
(2) LEAs may seek a waiver from the commissioner of education to extend the CTE class size average in grades nine through twelve (9-12); provided, that the CTE class sizes do not exceed the maximum class size set for CTE classes.
(3) LEAs may extend CTE class sizes and averages for CTE classes in grades six through eight (6-8); provided, that CTE classes in grades six through eight (6-8) must not exceed the maximum class size and average set for general education classes in grades seven through twelve (7-12).
(h) Any LEA operating a virtual school or virtual education program shall not exceed the teacher/pupil ratio for virtual schools set by the state board of education.
(i) (1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the commissioner, upon request by an LEA, may grant a waiver from the average class sizes established in this section to assist the LEA in funding a grow your own program pursuant to criteria established by the department. (2) As used in this section, "grow your own" means a partnership between an educator preparation provider, approved by the state board of education, and one (1) or more LEAs to coordinate a program for the preparation and licensure of teachers that integrates education content with a public school classroom internship that includes structured feedback and coaching from an experienced teacher serving as a mentor.
(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a), the commissioner, upon request by an LEA, may grant a waiver from the average class sizes established in this section to assist the LEA in funding a grow your own program pursuant to criteria established by the department.
(2) As used in this section, "grow your own" means a partnership between an educator preparation provider, approved by the state board of education, and one (1) or more LEAs to coordinate a program for the preparation and licensure of teachers that integrates education content with a public school classroom internship that includes structured feedback and coaching from an experienced teacher serving as a mentor.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 712,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 587, s 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 725, s 1, eff. 4/18/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 669, s 1, eff. 4/12/2018.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 182, s 7, eff. 4/17/2015.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 55, s 2, eff. 4/6/2015.
Acts 1984 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 7, § 100; 1992, ch. 535, § 37; 2001, ch. 374, § 1; 2006, ch. 579, § 1; 2007 , ch. 313, § 1; 2008 , ch. 993, § 1; 2010 , ch. 696, §§ 1, 2; 2012 , ch. 558, § 1; 2012 , ch. 999, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-2107 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-2107
Certification of drivers and equipment
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall be authorized to drive a school bus in this state unless the person possesses a certificate issued by the county board of education. (b) The county board of education is authorized to adopt rules and regulations prescribing the qualifications of school bus drivers in the interest of the safety and health of school pupils. (c) No person shall be issued a certificate until an investigation has been made to determine whether or not the person has been found guilty of any criminal offense and until the criminal records are made a part of the person's permanent file. (d) In the event it should develop that school bus drivers and school bus equipment cannot be obtained in conformity with all of this part, the state board of education shall be authorized to issue temporary certificates to school bus drivers and to permit the use of equipment on a temporary basis that does not meet the requirements of this part, to the end that school transportation may be provided to all the children of this state at all times and through any emergency that might develop. (e) (1) Notwithstanding any other law or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (b) to the contrary, a person shall not be issued a certificate to drive a school bus in this state or authorized as a third-party skills test examiner for a school bus (S) endorsement pursuant to § 55-50-415 who, within the preceding five (5) years, has been convicted in this state, or in any other jurisdiction pursuant to a law prohibiting the same conduct, of a violation of any of the following: (A) Driving under the influence of an intoxicant as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ; (B) Vehicular assault as prohibited by § 39-13-106 ; (C) Vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-213(a)(2) ; (D) Aggravated vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-218 ; (E) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance as prohibited by § 39-17-417 ; or (F) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance analogue as prohibited by § 39-17-454 . (2) If the request for a certificate to drive a school bus in this state occurs five (5) years or more after the date of any such conviction, the board of education, in its discretion, may issue the person a certificate. (f) Each local education agency (LEA) that provides transportation services shall submit to the department of safety the names of persons authorized to drive a school bus. The department of safety shall maintain a database of all those persons authorized to drive a school bus and notify the appropriate LEA if the driver license or driving privileges of a listed person have been suspended or revoked. Upon receiving the notification, the LEA shall suspend or revoke the person's authorization to drive a school bus and inform the person of the suspension or revocation. Any person authorized to drive a school bus shall notify the LEA if the person's driver license or driving privileges have been suspended or revoked. If the person's driver license or driving privileges have been reinstated and the person meets the other requirements set out by the LEA, the person may request new authorization to drive a school bus. As used in this subsection (f), "local education agency" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-1-103 . (g) Prior to transporting students, new school bus drivers shall complete a school bus driver training program based on standards established by the departments of education and safety. Such standards shall, at a minimum, address student management, distracted driving, school and district policy, driving techniques, evacuations, loading and unloading, mirror usage, procedures concerning persons improperly on school buses pursuant to § 49-6-2008 , and state and federal law regarding the use and driving of a school bus. (h) Notwithstanding subsection (a), an individual authorized as a third-party skills test examiner for school bus (S) endorsement skills testing pursuant to § 55-50-415 is not required to submit a certificate from the county board of education, unless the individual is also providing transportation services for a school. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 548,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 992, s 9, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 992, s 8, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 289, s 2, eff. 1/1/2018. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1008, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1947, ch. 92, §§ 7, 15; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2495.7, 2495.15 (Williams, §§ 2495.8, 2495.16); Acts 1974, ch. 653, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-2206, 49-2207; Acts 2002, ch. 820, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 40.
(a) No person shall be authorized to drive a school bus in this state unless the person possesses a certificate issued by the county board of education.
(b) The county board of education is authorized to adopt rules and regulations prescribing the qualifications of school bus drivers in the interest of the safety and health of school pupils.
(c) No person shall be issued a certificate until an investigation has been made to determine whether or not the person has been found guilty of any criminal offense and until the criminal records are made a part of the person's permanent file.
(d) In the event it should develop that school bus drivers and school bus equipment cannot be obtained in conformity with all of this part, the state board of education shall be authorized to issue temporary certificates to school bus drivers and to permit the use of equipment on a temporary basis that does not meet the requirements of this part, to the end that school transportation may be provided to all the children of this state at all times and through any emergency that might develop.
(e) (1) Notwithstanding any other law or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (b) to the contrary, a person shall not be issued a certificate to drive a school bus in this state or authorized as a third-party skills test examiner for a school bus (S) endorsement pursuant to § 55-50-415 who, within the preceding five (5) years, has been convicted in this state, or in any other jurisdiction pursuant to a law prohibiting the same conduct, of a violation of any of the following: (A) Driving under the influence of an intoxicant as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ; (B) Vehicular assault as prohibited by § 39-13-106 ; (C) Vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-213(a)(2) ; (D) Aggravated vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-218 ; (E) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance as prohibited by § 39-17-417 ; or (F) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance analogue as prohibited by § 39-17-454 . (2) If the request for a certificate to drive a school bus in this state occurs five (5) years or more after the date of any such conviction, the board of education, in its discretion, may issue the person a certificate.
(1) Notwithstanding any other law or rules and regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (b) to the contrary, a person shall not be issued a certificate to drive a school bus in this state or authorized as a third-party skills test examiner for a school bus (S) endorsement pursuant to § 55-50-415 who, within the preceding five (5) years, has been convicted in this state, or in any other jurisdiction pursuant to a law prohibiting the same conduct, of a violation of any of the following: (A) Driving under the influence of an intoxicant as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ; (B) Vehicular assault as prohibited by § 39-13-106 ; (C) Vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-213(a)(2) ; (D) Aggravated vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-218 ; (E) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance as prohibited by § 39-17-417 ; or (F) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance analogue as prohibited by § 39-17-454 .
(A) Driving under the influence of an intoxicant as prohibited by § 55-10-401 ;
(B) Vehicular assault as prohibited by § 39-13-106 ;
(C) Vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-213(a)(2) ;
(D) Aggravated vehicular homicide as prohibited by § 39-13-218 ;
(E) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance as prohibited by § 39-17-417 ; or
(F) Manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of a controlled substance analogue as prohibited by § 39-17-454 .
(2) If the request for a certificate to drive a school bus in this state occurs five (5) years or more after the date of any such conviction, the board of education, in its discretion, may issue the person a certificate.
(f) Each local education agency (LEA) that provides transportation services shall submit to the department of safety the names of persons authorized to drive a school bus. The department of safety shall maintain a database of all those persons authorized to drive a school bus and notify the appropriate LEA if the driver license or driving privileges of a listed person have been suspended or revoked. Upon receiving the notification, the LEA shall suspend or revoke the person's authorization to drive a school bus and inform the person of the suspension or revocation. Any person authorized to drive a school bus shall notify the LEA if the person's driver license or driving privileges have been suspended or revoked. If the person's driver license or driving privileges have been reinstated and the person meets the other requirements set out by the LEA, the person may request new authorization to drive a school bus. As used in this subsection (f), "local education agency" has the same meaning as defined in § 49-1-103 .
(g) Prior to transporting students, new school bus drivers shall complete a school bus driver training program based on standards established by the departments of education and safety. Such standards shall, at a minimum, address student management, distracted driving, school and district policy, driving techniques, evacuations, loading and unloading, mirror usage, procedures concerning persons improperly on school buses pursuant to § 49-6-2008 , and state and federal law regarding the use and driving of a school bus.
(h) Notwithstanding subsection (a), an individual authorized as a third-party skills test examiner for school bus (S) endorsement skills testing pursuant to § 55-50-415 is not required to submit a certificate from the county board of education, unless the individual is also providing transportation services for a school.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 548,s 2, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 992, s 9, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 992, s 8, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 289, s 2, eff. 1/1/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1008, s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1947, ch. 92, §§ 7, 15; C. Supp. 1950, §§ 2495.7, 2495.15 (Williams, §§ 2495.8, 2495.16); Acts 1974, ch. 653, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-2206, 49-2207; Acts 2002, ch. 820, § 1; 2012 , ch. 848, § 40.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-1006 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 3 / Section 49-3-1006
Bonds for purchase of buses
Status: in_force

(a) The various counties of the state, through their respective county legislative bodies, are authorized and empowered to issue and sell bonds for the purchase of school buses and appurtenances necessary to operate them. (b) The bonds may be known as school bonds and shall be issued in accordance with the provisions for the issuance of other school bonds as set out in this part; provided, that bonds issued under this section shall mature within a time or times not to exceed eight (8) years from the date of issuance. (c) The provisions of § 49-3-1003(b) providing for the proration of the proceeds of the bonds between county and city school systems shall not apply to bonds issued under authority of this section. (d) The county legislative bodies are authorized and empowered to set aside into a sinking fund the necessary amounts each year from the regular school transportation allotment to retire the bonds upon their date of maturity. (e) The full faith and credit of a county issuing bonds under this section shall be pledged to the retirement of the bonds. Acts 1945, ch. 96, §§ 1, 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.1 (Williams, §§ 2569.4a, 2569.4b); Acts 1978, ch. 893, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-719.
(a) The various counties of the state, through their respective county legislative bodies, are authorized and empowered to issue and sell bonds for the purchase of school buses and appurtenances necessary to operate them.
(b) The bonds may be known as school bonds and shall be issued in accordance with the provisions for the issuance of other school bonds as set out in this part; provided, that bonds issued under this section shall mature within a time or times not to exceed eight (8) years from the date of issuance.
(c) The provisions of § 49-3-1003(b) providing for the proration of the proceeds of the bonds between county and city school systems shall not apply to bonds issued under authority of this section.
(d) The county legislative bodies are authorized and empowered to set aside into a sinking fund the necessary amounts each year from the regular school transportation allotment to retire the bonds upon their date of maturity.
(e) The full faith and credit of a county issuing bonds under this section shall be pledged to the retirement of the bonds.
Acts 1945, ch. 96, §§ 1, 2; mod. C. Supp. 1950, § 2569.1 (Williams, §§ 2569.4a, 2569.4b); Acts 1978, ch. 893, § 2; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-719.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-1308 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-1308
Rights preserved
Status: repealed

Nothing in this part shall prohibit any public agency from contracting with other public agencies under existing statutory or charter authority. Acts 1970, ch. 511, § 11; T.C.A., § 49-440.
Nothing in this part shall prohibit any public agency from contracting with other public agencies under existing statutory or charter authority.
Acts 1970, ch. 511, § 11; T.C.A., § 49-440.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-906 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-906
Eligibility for benefits
Status: in_force

Every teacher who has annually contributed to the fund in accordance with this part for at least five (5) years and has taught in the public schools not less than twenty-five (25) years, fifteen (15) years of which have been in the public schools of a city, town, county or district, may be retired by the board of education, and shall have the right to voluntarily retire from such service and become the beneficiary of this part. Every such teacher so retiring or retired shall be entitled to an annuity for the remainder of the teacher's life, to be paid out of the fund, an amount as provided by § 49-5-904 . Acts 1917, ch. 76, § 4; Shan., § 1469b4 (p. 6544); Shan. Supp., § 1469a4; Code 1932, § 2528; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1606.
Every teacher who has annually contributed to the fund in accordance with this part for at least five (5) years and has taught in the public schools not less than twenty-five (25) years, fifteen (15) years of which have been in the public schools of a city, town, county or district, may be retired by the board of education, and shall have the right to voluntarily retire from such service and become the beneficiary of this part. Every such teacher so retiring or retired shall be entitled to an annuity for the remainder of the teacher's life, to be paid out of the fund, an amount as provided by § 49-5-904 .
Acts 1917, ch. 76, § 4; Shan., § 1469b4 (p. 6544); Shan. Supp., § 1469a4; Code 1932, § 2528; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-1606.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2004 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-2004
Exempt institutions
Status: in_force

(a) The following education and educational institutions are exempted from this part: (1) Institutions exclusively offering instruction at any or all levels from preschool through the twelfth grade; (2) Education sponsored by a bona fide trade, business, professional or fraternal organization, so recognized by the commission, solely for that organization's membership or offered on a no-fee basis; (3) Education solely avocational or recreational in nature, as determined by the commission, and institutions offering such education exclusively; (4) Education offered by eleemosynary institutions, organizations or agencies, so recognized by the commission; provided, that the education is not advertised or promoted as leading toward educational credentials; (5) Postsecondary educational institutions established, operated, and governed by this state or its political subdivisions, including approved postsecondary training schools, academies, or facilities established, operated, and governed by this state or its political subdivisions and the colleges of applied technology under the exclusive control and jurisdiction of the board of regents; (6) A postsecondary educational institution that: (A) Has had its primary campus domiciled in the same state for at least twenty (20) consecutive years, continues to have its primary campus domiciled in that state, and is: (i) The primary campus; (ii) Another location of the institution in the same state where the primary campus is domiciled; or (iii) An alternate location, including a branch or satellite campus, located in a state other than the state where the primary campus is domiciled, but has been located in the state where the alternate location is presently located for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (B) Is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education and its primary campus has been accredited by a recognized accreditor for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (C) Is chartered where its primary campus is domiciled as a not-for-profit entity and has continuously been so chartered for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (D) Meets and maintains financial standards acceptable to the accreditor for the purpose of maintaining accreditation or to the United States department of education for the purpose of being a Title IV eligible institution; and (E) Does not engage in supervised field experiences in Tennessee without a physical location in Tennessee. (7) (A) Institutions operated solely as auction schools, barber schools, schools of cosmetology, or schools of electrology; provided, that any barber school or school of cosmetology licensed or registered with the board of cosmetology and barber examiners that is eligible for or chooses to seek eligibility for federal student financial aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended ( 20 U.S.C. §§ 1001 - 1161aa -1 ) shall be subject to all requirements of this part; (B) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (8) Institutions operated solely as schools for the study of law and subject to the approval of the board of law examiners for this state; (9) Health-related educational programs conducted by state-licensed healthcare institutions; (10) Educational instruction that: (A) Does not lead to a degree; (B) Is regulated by the federal aviation administration; and (C) Is offered by a postsecondary educational institution that does not require students receiving the instruction to enter into written or oral contracts of indebtedness; (11) A nonprofit, regionally accredited educational institution: (A) Offering online, competency-based education to adult students; (B) Led by a chief executive or chancellor domiciled in Tennessee; and (C) With activities and operations limited to the scope of a memorandum of understanding executed with the state of Tennessee in 2013; and (12) Education offered as intensive review courses of instruction previously received by students that is designed solely to prepare students for graduate or professional school entrance examinations or licensure examinations. (b) A postsecondary educational institution exempt from this part pursuant to subdivision (a)(6) or (a)(11) loses the exemption upon the occurrence of one (1) of the following events, subject to appeal to the commission as provided in § 49-7-2012 : (1) Loss or failure to meet any of the listed criteria for exemption; (2) Loss of Title IV federal student aid funding; or (3) A three-year federal financial aid cohort default rate of thirty percent (30%) or higher for three (3) consecutive years or any single year over forty percent (40%), as reported by the United States department of education's office of postsecondary education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. (c) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, an institution that has lost its exemption due to the occurrence of one (1) of the conditions listed in subsection (b) shall not be required to reestablish the twenty (20) consecutive year standards in order to regain the institution's exempt status. Instead, the commission may reinstate the exemption once the condition that caused the loss of exemption has, in the opinion of the commission, been remedied. (d) The general assembly recognizes that an institution that meets the requirements of subdivisions (a)(6) and (a)(11) is established by name as an educational institution and is authorized to operate educational programs beyond secondary education. The commission shall provide notification of same to an institution upon completion of an exemption determination request. The commission shall maintain and publish on its website a list of postsecondary educational institutions meeting the requirements of subdivision (a)(6) with its primary campus domiciled in this state or subdivision (a)(11). Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, Secs.s 8, s 9, s 10, s 11 eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 7, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 82, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 1, eff. 4/20/2018. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 11, eff. 10/1/2016. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 666, s 1, eff. 3/31/2016. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 358, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015. Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 4; 1974, ch. 781, § 4; 1976, ch. 543, § 1; 1976, ch. 802, § 1; 1978, ch. 609, § 1; 1980, ch. 541, § 1; 1983, ch. 398, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-3904; Acts 1989, ch. 425, § 4; 1993, ch. 113, § 1; 1994, ch. 685, § 3; 1998, ch. 695, §§ 5 - 7; 2013 , ch. 158, § 1; 2013 , ch. 185, §§ 1, 2; 2013 , ch. 307, § 1; 2013 , ch. 473, § 18; 2014 , ch. 818, § 1; 2014 , ch. 890, §§ 1 - 4. .
(a) The following education and educational institutions are exempted from this part: (1) Institutions exclusively offering instruction at any or all levels from preschool through the twelfth grade; (2) Education sponsored by a bona fide trade, business, professional or fraternal organization, so recognized by the commission, solely for that organization's membership or offered on a no-fee basis; (3) Education solely avocational or recreational in nature, as determined by the commission, and institutions offering such education exclusively; (4) Education offered by eleemosynary institutions, organizations or agencies, so recognized by the commission; provided, that the education is not advertised or promoted as leading toward educational credentials; (5) Postsecondary educational institutions established, operated, and governed by this state or its political subdivisions, including approved postsecondary training schools, academies, or facilities established, operated, and governed by this state or its political subdivisions and the colleges of applied technology under the exclusive control and jurisdiction of the board of regents; (6) A postsecondary educational institution that: (A) Has had its primary campus domiciled in the same state for at least twenty (20) consecutive years, continues to have its primary campus domiciled in that state, and is: (i) The primary campus; (ii) Another location of the institution in the same state where the primary campus is domiciled; or (iii) An alternate location, including a branch or satellite campus, located in a state other than the state where the primary campus is domiciled, but has been located in the state where the alternate location is presently located for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (B) Is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education and its primary campus has been accredited by a recognized accreditor for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (C) Is chartered where its primary campus is domiciled as a not-for-profit entity and has continuously been so chartered for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (D) Meets and maintains financial standards acceptable to the accreditor for the purpose of maintaining accreditation or to the United States department of education for the purpose of being a Title IV eligible institution; and (E) Does not engage in supervised field experiences in Tennessee without a physical location in Tennessee. (7) (A) Institutions operated solely as auction schools, barber schools, schools of cosmetology, or schools of electrology; provided, that any barber school or school of cosmetology licensed or registered with the board of cosmetology and barber examiners that is eligible for or chooses to seek eligibility for federal student financial aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended ( 20 U.S.C. §§ 1001 - 1161aa -1 ) shall be subject to all requirements of this part; (B) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.] (8) Institutions operated solely as schools for the study of law and subject to the approval of the board of law examiners for this state; (9) Health-related educational programs conducted by state-licensed healthcare institutions; (10) Educational instruction that: (A) Does not lead to a degree; (B) Is regulated by the federal aviation administration; and (C) Is offered by a postsecondary educational institution that does not require students receiving the instruction to enter into written or oral contracts of indebtedness; (11) A nonprofit, regionally accredited educational institution: (A) Offering online, competency-based education to adult students; (B) Led by a chief executive or chancellor domiciled in Tennessee; and (C) With activities and operations limited to the scope of a memorandum of understanding executed with the state of Tennessee in 2013; and (12) Education offered as intensive review courses of instruction previously received by students that is designed solely to prepare students for graduate or professional school entrance examinations or licensure examinations.
(1) Institutions exclusively offering instruction at any or all levels from preschool through the twelfth grade;
(2) Education sponsored by a bona fide trade, business, professional or fraternal organization, so recognized by the commission, solely for that organization's membership or offered on a no-fee basis;
(3) Education solely avocational or recreational in nature, as determined by the commission, and institutions offering such education exclusively;
(4) Education offered by eleemosynary institutions, organizations or agencies, so recognized by the commission; provided, that the education is not advertised or promoted as leading toward educational credentials;
(5) Postsecondary educational institutions established, operated, and governed by this state or its political subdivisions, including approved postsecondary training schools, academies, or facilities established, operated, and governed by this state or its political subdivisions and the colleges of applied technology under the exclusive control and jurisdiction of the board of regents;
(6) A postsecondary educational institution that: (A) Has had its primary campus domiciled in the same state for at least twenty (20) consecutive years, continues to have its primary campus domiciled in that state, and is: (i) The primary campus; (ii) Another location of the institution in the same state where the primary campus is domiciled; or (iii) An alternate location, including a branch or satellite campus, located in a state other than the state where the primary campus is domiciled, but has been located in the state where the alternate location is presently located for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (B) Is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education and its primary campus has been accredited by a recognized accreditor for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (C) Is chartered where its primary campus is domiciled as a not-for-profit entity and has continuously been so chartered for at least twenty (20) consecutive years; (D) Meets and maintains financial standards acceptable to the accreditor for the purpose of maintaining accreditation or to the United States department of education for the purpose of being a Title IV eligible institution; and (E) Does not engage in supervised field experiences in Tennessee without a physical location in Tennessee.
(A) Has had its primary campus domiciled in the same state for at least twenty (20) consecutive years, continues to have its primary campus domiciled in that state, and is: (i) The primary campus; (ii) Another location of the institution in the same state where the primary campus is domiciled; or (iii) An alternate location, including a branch or satellite campus, located in a state other than the state where the primary campus is domiciled, but has been located in the state where the alternate location is presently located for at least twenty (20) consecutive years;
(i) The primary campus;
(ii) Another location of the institution in the same state where the primary campus is domiciled; or
(iii) An alternate location, including a branch or satellite campus, located in a state other than the state where the primary campus is domiciled, but has been located in the state where the alternate location is presently located for at least twenty (20) consecutive years;
(B) Is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States department of education and its primary campus has been accredited by a recognized accreditor for at least twenty (20) consecutive years;
(C) Is chartered where its primary campus is domiciled as a not-for-profit entity and has continuously been so chartered for at least twenty (20) consecutive years;
(D) Meets and maintains financial standards acceptable to the accreditor for the purpose of maintaining accreditation or to the United States department of education for the purpose of being a Title IV eligible institution; and
(E) Does not engage in supervised field experiences in Tennessee without a physical location in Tennessee.
(7) (A) Institutions operated solely as auction schools, barber schools, schools of cosmetology, or schools of electrology; provided, that any barber school or school of cosmetology licensed or registered with the board of cosmetology and barber examiners that is eligible for or chooses to seek eligibility for federal student financial aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended ( 20 U.S.C. §§ 1001 - 1161aa -1 ) shall be subject to all requirements of this part; (B) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(A) Institutions operated solely as auction schools, barber schools, schools of cosmetology, or schools of electrology; provided, that any barber school or school of cosmetology licensed or registered with the board of cosmetology and barber examiners that is eligible for or chooses to seek eligibility for federal student financial aid programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended ( 20 U.S.C. §§ 1001 - 1161aa -1 ) shall be subject to all requirements of this part;
(B) [Deleted by 2022 amendment.]
(8) Institutions operated solely as schools for the study of law and subject to the approval of the board of law examiners for this state;
(9) Health-related educational programs conducted by state-licensed healthcare institutions;
(10) Educational instruction that: (A) Does not lead to a degree; (B) Is regulated by the federal aviation administration; and (C) Is offered by a postsecondary educational institution that does not require students receiving the instruction to enter into written or oral contracts of indebtedness;
(A) Does not lead to a degree;
(B) Is regulated by the federal aviation administration; and
(C) Is offered by a postsecondary educational institution that does not require students receiving the instruction to enter into written or oral contracts of indebtedness;
(11) A nonprofit, regionally accredited educational institution: (A) Offering online, competency-based education to adult students; (B) Led by a chief executive or chancellor domiciled in Tennessee; and (C) With activities and operations limited to the scope of a memorandum of understanding executed with the state of Tennessee in 2013; and
(A) Offering online, competency-based education to adult students;
(B) Led by a chief executive or chancellor domiciled in Tennessee; and
(C) With activities and operations limited to the scope of a memorandum of understanding executed with the state of Tennessee in 2013; and
(12) Education offered as intensive review courses of instruction previously received by students that is designed solely to prepare students for graduate or professional school entrance examinations or licensure examinations.
(b) A postsecondary educational institution exempt from this part pursuant to subdivision (a)(6) or (a)(11) loses the exemption upon the occurrence of one (1) of the following events, subject to appeal to the commission as provided in § 49-7-2012 : (1) Loss or failure to meet any of the listed criteria for exemption; (2) Loss of Title IV federal student aid funding; or (3) A three-year federal financial aid cohort default rate of thirty percent (30%) or higher for three (3) consecutive years or any single year over forty percent (40%), as reported by the United States department of education's office of postsecondary education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
(1) Loss or failure to meet any of the listed criteria for exemption;
(2) Loss of Title IV federal student aid funding; or
(3) A three-year federal financial aid cohort default rate of thirty percent (30%) or higher for three (3) consecutive years or any single year over forty percent (40%), as reported by the United States department of education's office of postsecondary education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, an institution that has lost its exemption due to the occurrence of one (1) of the conditions listed in subsection (b) shall not be required to reestablish the twenty (20) consecutive year standards in order to regain the institution's exempt status. Instead, the commission may reinstate the exemption once the condition that caused the loss of exemption has, in the opinion of the commission, been remedied.
(d) The general assembly recognizes that an institution that meets the requirements of subdivisions (a)(6) and (a)(11) is established by name as an educational institution and is authorized to operate educational programs beyond secondary education. The commission shall provide notification of same to an institution upon completion of an exemption determination request. The commission shall maintain and publish on its website a list of postsecondary educational institutions meeting the requirements of subdivision (a)(6) with its primary campus domiciled in this state or subdivision (a)(11).
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, Secs.s 8, s 9, s 10, s 11 eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1044, s 7, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 82, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 790, s 1, eff. 4/20/2018.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 868, s 11, eff. 10/1/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 666, s 1, eff. 3/31/2016.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 358, s 1, eff. 7/1/2015.
Acts 1961, ch. 112, § 4; 1974, ch. 781, § 4; 1976, ch. 543, § 1; 1976, ch. 802, § 1; 1978, ch. 609, § 1; 1980, ch. 541, § 1; 1983, ch. 398, § 3; T.C.A., § 49-3904; Acts 1989, ch. 425, § 4; 1993, ch. 113, § 1; 1994, ch. 685, § 3; 1998, ch. 695, §§ 5 - 7; 2013 , ch. 158, § 1; 2013 , ch. 185, §§ 1, 2; 2013 , ch. 307, § 1; 2013 , ch. 473, § 18; 2014 , ch. 818, § 1; 2014 , ch. 890, §§ 1 - 4. .
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-9-1309 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 9 / Section 49-9-1309
Compliance with Title VI
Status: in_force

No expenditure of public funds pursuant to this part shall be made in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d ). Acts 1997, ch. 418, § 2.
No expenditure of public funds pursuant to this part shall be made in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d ).
Acts 1997, ch. 418, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-823 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-823
Suspension or termination of plans
Status: in_force

If the board determines that any of the educational investment plan or plans or the educational services plan is, for any reason, financially unfeasible, or is not beneficial to the citizens of this state or to the state itself, the board may suspend or terminate the plan immediately. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 24, eff. 5/13/2014. Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 34.
If the board determines that any of the educational investment plan or plans or the educational services plan is, for any reason, financially unfeasible, or is not beneficial to the citizens of this state or to the state itself, the board may suspend or terminate the plan immediately.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 910,s 24, eff. 5/13/2014.
Acts 1999, ch. 233, § 34.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-404 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 7 / Section 49-7-404
General dentistry training programs
Status: in_force

(a) It is the intent and purpose of this section to promote the preparation, education and training of doctors for general dentistry in this state by encouraging Meharry Medical College to continue its efforts for the continuation of an expanded general dentist practice residency that includes training in medically underserved middle Tennessee communities. (b) (1) In addition to the dental programs already provided for and funded by the state, financial support shall also be provided for the development, enlargement and continuation of Meharry Medical College's graduate training program in general practice for dentists, which shall prepare them for the general dentistry practice. (2) Funding for the Meharry general dentistry residency program shall not exceed forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year per resident in training. (c) (1) For the 1981-1982 academic school year, funding shall not exceed ninety-two thousand dollars ($92,000), enabling six (6) residents to be trained; funding for 1982-1983 shall be projected as not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the training of six (6) residents. (2) Funding for succeeding years will provide for continuance at this same level unless increased or decreased by specific legislation. (d) This legislation will provide for Meharry Medical College to continue further development of general dentistry residency training in various locations of middle Tennessee. (e) (1) This section does not constitute an appropriation of funds. (2) No funds shall be expended under this section unless such funds are specifically appropriated in the general appropriations act pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 51, or a specific amendment or supplement to the general appropriations act. Acts 1981, ch. 498, § 1; T.C.A., 49-4254; Acts 2001, ch. 433, § 7.
(a) It is the intent and purpose of this section to promote the preparation, education and training of doctors for general dentistry in this state by encouraging Meharry Medical College to continue its efforts for the continuation of an expanded general dentist practice residency that includes training in medically underserved middle Tennessee communities.
(b) (1) In addition to the dental programs already provided for and funded by the state, financial support shall also be provided for the development, enlargement and continuation of Meharry Medical College's graduate training program in general practice for dentists, which shall prepare them for the general dentistry practice. (2) Funding for the Meharry general dentistry residency program shall not exceed forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year per resident in training.
(1) In addition to the dental programs already provided for and funded by the state, financial support shall also be provided for the development, enlargement and continuation of Meharry Medical College's graduate training program in general practice for dentists, which shall prepare them for the general dentistry practice.
(2) Funding for the Meharry general dentistry residency program shall not exceed forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year per resident in training.
(c) (1) For the 1981-1982 academic school year, funding shall not exceed ninety-two thousand dollars ($92,000), enabling six (6) residents to be trained; funding for 1982-1983 shall be projected as not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the training of six (6) residents. (2) Funding for succeeding years will provide for continuance at this same level unless increased or decreased by specific legislation.
(1) For the 1981-1982 academic school year, funding shall not exceed ninety-two thousand dollars ($92,000), enabling six (6) residents to be trained; funding for 1982-1983 shall be projected as not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the training of six (6) residents.
(2) Funding for succeeding years will provide for continuance at this same level unless increased or decreased by specific legislation.
(d) This legislation will provide for Meharry Medical College to continue further development of general dentistry residency training in various locations of middle Tennessee.
(e) (1) This section does not constitute an appropriation of funds. (2) No funds shall be expended under this section unless such funds are specifically appropriated in the general appropriations act pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 51, or a specific amendment or supplement to the general appropriations act.
(1) This section does not constitute an appropriation of funds.
(2) No funds shall be expended under this section unless such funds are specifically appropriated in the general appropriations act pursuant to title 9, chapter 4, part 51, or a specific amendment or supplement to the general appropriations act.
Acts 1981, ch. 498, § 1; T.C.A., 49-4254; Acts 2001, ch. 433, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-1101 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-1101
Establishment of program
Status: in_force

(a) Each LEA shall establish a program of homebound instruction for each student who qualifies. A student qualifies for homebound instruction if the student's treating physician certifies in writing that the student has a medical condition that prevents the student from attending regular classes. (b) If a student qualifies for homebound instruction, then the student's LEA shall offer the student homebound instruction for a minimum of three (3) hours per week. The LEA shall determine how long the student may receive homebound instruction on a case-by-case basis and shall take into consideration the recommendations of the student's treating physician. (c) If, at the conclusion of any period of homebound instruction, the student's treating physician recertifies in writing that the student's medical condition continues to prevent the student from returning to regular classes, then the LEA shall continue to offer the student three (3) hours of homebound instruction per week, subject to periodic recertification as required by the LEA. Acts 1986, ch. 843, § 1; 2018, ch. 625, § 1.
(a) Each LEA shall establish a program of homebound instruction for each student who qualifies. A student qualifies for homebound instruction if the student's treating physician certifies in writing that the student has a medical condition that prevents the student from attending regular classes.
(b) If a student qualifies for homebound instruction, then the student's LEA shall offer the student homebound instruction for a minimum of three (3) hours per week. The LEA shall determine how long the student may receive homebound instruction on a case-by-case basis and shall take into consideration the recommendations of the student's treating physician.
(c) If, at the conclusion of any period of homebound instruction, the student's treating physician recertifies in writing that the student's medical condition continues to prevent the student from returning to regular classes, then the LEA shall continue to offer the student three (3) hours of homebound instruction per week, subject to periodic recertification as required by the LEA.
Acts 1986, ch. 843, § 1; 2018, ch. 625, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-5-1004 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 5 / Section 49-5-1004
Educator's obligations to the education profession
Status: in_force

(a) The education profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service. In the belief that the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens, the educator shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgment, to achieve conditions which attract persons worthy of the trust to careers in education, and to assist in preventing the practice of the profession by unqualified persons. (b) In fulfillment of this obligation to the profession, an educator shall not: (1) Deliberately make a false statement or fail to disclose a material fact related to competency and qualifications in an application for a professional position; (2) Misrepresent the educator's professional qualifications; (3) Assist entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in respect to character, education, or other relevant attribute; (4) Knowingly make a false statement concerning the qualifications of a candidate for a professional position; (5) Assist a noneducator in the unauthorized practice of teaching; (6) Disclose information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless the disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law; (7) Knowingly make false or malicious statements about a colleague; (8) Accept any gratuity, gift, or favor that might impair or appear to influence professional decisions or actions; and (9) Use illegal or unauthorized drugs. (c) In fulfillment of this obligation to the profession, educators shall: (1) Administer state-mandated assessments fairly and ethically; and (2) Conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity and integrity of the education profession. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 937,s 3, eff. 7/1/2018. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 937,s 2, eff. 7/1/2018. Acts 2010, ch. 916, § 1.
(a) The education profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service. In the belief that the quality of the services of the education profession directly influences the nation and its citizens, the educator shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgment, to achieve conditions which attract persons worthy of the trust to careers in education, and to assist in preventing the practice of the profession by unqualified persons.
(b) In fulfillment of this obligation to the profession, an educator shall not: (1) Deliberately make a false statement or fail to disclose a material fact related to competency and qualifications in an application for a professional position; (2) Misrepresent the educator's professional qualifications; (3) Assist entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in respect to character, education, or other relevant attribute; (4) Knowingly make a false statement concerning the qualifications of a candidate for a professional position; (5) Assist a noneducator in the unauthorized practice of teaching; (6) Disclose information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless the disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law; (7) Knowingly make false or malicious statements about a colleague; (8) Accept any gratuity, gift, or favor that might impair or appear to influence professional decisions or actions; and (9) Use illegal or unauthorized drugs.
(1) Deliberately make a false statement or fail to disclose a material fact related to competency and qualifications in an application for a professional position;
(2) Misrepresent the educator's professional qualifications;
(3) Assist entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in respect to character, education, or other relevant attribute;
(4) Knowingly make a false statement concerning the qualifications of a candidate for a professional position;
(5) Assist a noneducator in the unauthorized practice of teaching;
(6) Disclose information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional service unless the disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law;
(7) Knowingly make false or malicious statements about a colleague;
(8) Accept any gratuity, gift, or favor that might impair or appear to influence professional decisions or actions; and
(9) Use illegal or unauthorized drugs.
(c) In fulfillment of this obligation to the profession, educators shall: (1) Administer state-mandated assessments fairly and ethically; and (2) Conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity and integrity of the education profession.
(1) Administer state-mandated assessments fairly and ethically; and
(2) Conduct themselves in a manner that preserves the dignity and integrity of the education profession.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 937,s 3, eff. 7/1/2018.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 937,s 2, eff. 7/1/2018.
Acts 2010, ch. 916, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-201 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-201
Election or appointment
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, there shall be a board of education elected by the people. Except in counties with a county charter or metropolitan government charter, the board shall consist of no more members than the number of members authorized by general law or private act for boards of education in existence on January 1, 1992, or the number of members actually serving on a board on January 1, 1993, except during transition periods following district reapportionment. In addition to the membership existing on boards as of January 1, 1992, or January 1, 1993, the general assembly may authorize by private act any number of school board members that is no less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11). The members of the board shall be elected for a term of four (4) years, and may succeed themselves. For the first election held pursuant to this section, in order to establish staggered terms of office, the members from even-numbered districts shall be elected for a term of two (2) years, and the members of odd-numbered districts shall be elected for four (4) years. Members of county boards of education shall be residents of and elected from districts of substantially equal population established by resolution of the local legislative body. Members of special school district boards of education shall be elected according to special or private act, but shall be popularly elected on a staggered term basis. Vacancies occurring on the board shall be filled by the local legislative body. In special school districts, vacancies on the board arising from death or resignation shall be filled by the special school district school board. Any person so appointed shall serve until a successor is elected and qualifies according to law. The successor shall be elected at the next general election for which candidates have a sufficient time to qualify under the law. Elections for school board members may be conducted on a partisan or nonpartisan basis. If at least one (1) county primary board of a political party elects to conduct school board elections on a partisan basis, then a person seeking a position on any board in that county may campaign as the nominee or representative of a political party, and political parties may nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under title 2. (2) Notwithstanding the four-year term set out in this section for school boards, any special school district with a different term established by private act shall retain the existing board term. (3) To implement subdivision (a)(1), the general assembly by private act, or the local legislative body by resolution, may adopt a plan to accomplish a transition from a method of selecting school board members authorized under prior law to an elected school board that is in compliance with subdivision (a)(1). Nothing in this section shall be construed to require simultaneous election of board members, nor to prevent board members selected under prior law or during a transition period from serving the full term for which they were selected. As part of the implementation process under subdivision (a)(1), the local legislative body may renumber existing school districts. During the transition period, the number of school board members may exceed the number authorized under subdivision (a)(1). A transition plan may not be validly enacted or adopted under this section after September 1, 1996. (4) A private act enacted by the general assembly or a resolution adopted by a local legislative body prior to March 27, 1995, that established a transition plan as described in subdivision (a)(3), is declared to be in full compliance with the laws of this state. Any and all otherwise valid actions taken by a school board composed of members selected pursuant to such private acts or resolutions are ratified and confirmed. (5) For any LEA that has failed to implement this section, the general assembly by private act, or the local legislative body by resolution, may adopt a plan to implement four-year staggered terms of election for a local board of education by July 31, 2005. Any plan for staggered terms of election implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(5) shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, but may vary the staggered sequence provided for in subdivision (a)(1). (6) Any municipal board of education that, as authorized by private act, implemented a transition plan to bring the election of the board members into compliance with subdivision (a)(1), but that failed to comply with the election cycle established by the private act, may, by private act enacted by the general assembly and approved by the municipal legislative body, adopt a plan to restore the election of the board to compliance with subdivision (a)(1); provided, that the plan is adopted and implementation begun prior to January 1, 2009. Any plan for staggered four-year terms of election implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(6) shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, but may vary the staggered sequence provided for in subdivision (a)(1). Any and all otherwise valid actions taken by the school board during the period of noncompliance with the election cycle required by the private act are ratified and confirmed. (7) Any municipal board of education that, as authorized by private act, implemented a transition plan to bring the election of the board members into compliance with subdivision (a)(1), but currently has an election cycle in June, may, by private act enacted by the general assembly and approved by the municipal legislative body, adopt a plan to elect board members in the August general elections by extending the terms of the current school board members; provided, that the plan is adopted and implementation begun prior to January 1, 2015. Any plan implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) may extend the terms of any current board of education members, but shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section. (b) Only persons who are residents of the area served by an LEA are eligible to serve on the school board in counties with populations of seven hundred thousand (700,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census. (c) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), members of municipal boards of education may be elected in the same manner, either from districts or at large, or a combination of both, used to elect members of the municipality's governing body, except that municipal school districts whose current board members have been elected from districts as of June 6, 1995, shall continue that method of election. (2) Subdivision (c)(1) does not apply in counties having a population of not less than five hundred thousand (500,000) nor more than five hundred fifty thousand (550,000), or in counties having a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census. (d) (1) (A) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school boards are to appear on the regular August election ballot are held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election is held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election shall be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) . (B) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on the regular November election ballot are held concurrently with the regular August election. The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(2) . (C) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on a ballot other than the regular August or regular November election ballot may be held on the first Tuesday in the third month before the election. If the first Tuesday of the third month falls on a legal holiday, the election shall be held on the second Tuesday of the third month before the election. Nothing in this subdivision (d)(1)(C) requires a primary election to held, political parties may elect to nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party pursuant to subdivision (a)(1). (2) If the date for a primary election falls within ninety (90) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in the jurisdiction, the commission or commissions may reset the date of the primary election to coincide with the regular primary or general election, even though this may be outside of the time period established herein. All dates dependent on the date of the election must be adjusted accordingly and any acts required to be done by these dates must be performed timely if done in accordance with the adjusted dates. (3) The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a) . (4) If the county executive committee timely filed a notice with the county election commission directing the commission to hold a May primary election in 2022, then within thirty (30) days of November 12, 2021, the county executive committee may file a supplemental notice, in writing, to include school board offices to be elected in the regular August election within the county. (e) This section does not apply to an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502 . Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 4, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter. Amended by 2021EX3 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 11/12/2021. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 716, s 1, eff. 4/16/2014. Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 6; Shan. Supp., § 1487a26; mod. Code 1932, § 2317; Acts 1961, ch. 262, §§ 1-4; 1970, ch. 508, § 1; 1972, ch. 697, §§ 1, 2; 1972, ch. 784, § 1; 1973, ch. 170, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; Acts 1981, ch. 175, §§ 1, 2; 1983, ch. 424, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-208; Acts 1986, ch. 830, § 1; 1992, ch. 535, § 39; 1995, ch. 40, §§ 1, 2; 1995, ch. 404, §§ 1-6; 1995, ch. 435, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 620, § 1; 1998, ch. 1012, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 753, § 1; 2002, ch. 496, § 1; 2005, ch. 320, § 1; 2008 , ch. 772, § 1.
(a) (1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, there shall be a board of education elected by the people. Except in counties with a county charter or metropolitan government charter, the board shall consist of no more members than the number of members authorized by general law or private act for boards of education in existence on January 1, 1992, or the number of members actually serving on a board on January 1, 1993, except during transition periods following district reapportionment. In addition to the membership existing on boards as of January 1, 1992, or January 1, 1993, the general assembly may authorize by private act any number of school board members that is no less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11). The members of the board shall be elected for a term of four (4) years, and may succeed themselves. For the first election held pursuant to this section, in order to establish staggered terms of office, the members from even-numbered districts shall be elected for a term of two (2) years, and the members of odd-numbered districts shall be elected for four (4) years. Members of county boards of education shall be residents of and elected from districts of substantially equal population established by resolution of the local legislative body. Members of special school district boards of education shall be elected according to special or private act, but shall be popularly elected on a staggered term basis. Vacancies occurring on the board shall be filled by the local legislative body. In special school districts, vacancies on the board arising from death or resignation shall be filled by the special school district school board. Any person so appointed shall serve until a successor is elected and qualifies according to law. The successor shall be elected at the next general election for which candidates have a sufficient time to qualify under the law. Elections for school board members may be conducted on a partisan or nonpartisan basis. If at least one (1) county primary board of a political party elects to conduct school board elections on a partisan basis, then a person seeking a position on any board in that county may campaign as the nominee or representative of a political party, and political parties may nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under title 2. (2) Notwithstanding the four-year term set out in this section for school boards, any special school district with a different term established by private act shall retain the existing board term. (3) To implement subdivision (a)(1), the general assembly by private act, or the local legislative body by resolution, may adopt a plan to accomplish a transition from a method of selecting school board members authorized under prior law to an elected school board that is in compliance with subdivision (a)(1). Nothing in this section shall be construed to require simultaneous election of board members, nor to prevent board members selected under prior law or during a transition period from serving the full term for which they were selected. As part of the implementation process under subdivision (a)(1), the local legislative body may renumber existing school districts. During the transition period, the number of school board members may exceed the number authorized under subdivision (a)(1). A transition plan may not be validly enacted or adopted under this section after September 1, 1996. (4) A private act enacted by the general assembly or a resolution adopted by a local legislative body prior to March 27, 1995, that established a transition plan as described in subdivision (a)(3), is declared to be in full compliance with the laws of this state. Any and all otherwise valid actions taken by a school board composed of members selected pursuant to such private acts or resolutions are ratified and confirmed. (5) For any LEA that has failed to implement this section, the general assembly by private act, or the local legislative body by resolution, may adopt a plan to implement four-year staggered terms of election for a local board of education by July 31, 2005. Any plan for staggered terms of election implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(5) shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, but may vary the staggered sequence provided for in subdivision (a)(1). (6) Any municipal board of education that, as authorized by private act, implemented a transition plan to bring the election of the board members into compliance with subdivision (a)(1), but that failed to comply with the election cycle established by the private act, may, by private act enacted by the general assembly and approved by the municipal legislative body, adopt a plan to restore the election of the board to compliance with subdivision (a)(1); provided, that the plan is adopted and implementation begun prior to January 1, 2009. Any plan for staggered four-year terms of election implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(6) shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, but may vary the staggered sequence provided for in subdivision (a)(1). Any and all otherwise valid actions taken by the school board during the period of noncompliance with the election cycle required by the private act are ratified and confirmed. (7) Any municipal board of education that, as authorized by private act, implemented a transition plan to bring the election of the board members into compliance with subdivision (a)(1), but currently has an election cycle in June, may, by private act enacted by the general assembly and approved by the municipal legislative body, adopt a plan to elect board members in the August general elections by extending the terms of the current school board members; provided, that the plan is adopted and implementation begun prior to January 1, 2015. Any plan implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) may extend the terms of any current board of education members, but shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section.
(1) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, there shall be a board of education elected by the people. Except in counties with a county charter or metropolitan government charter, the board shall consist of no more members than the number of members authorized by general law or private act for boards of education in existence on January 1, 1992, or the number of members actually serving on a board on January 1, 1993, except during transition periods following district reapportionment. In addition to the membership existing on boards as of January 1, 1992, or January 1, 1993, the general assembly may authorize by private act any number of school board members that is no less than three (3) nor more than eleven (11). The members of the board shall be elected for a term of four (4) years, and may succeed themselves. For the first election held pursuant to this section, in order to establish staggered terms of office, the members from even-numbered districts shall be elected for a term of two (2) years, and the members of odd-numbered districts shall be elected for four (4) years. Members of county boards of education shall be residents of and elected from districts of substantially equal population established by resolution of the local legislative body. Members of special school district boards of education shall be elected according to special or private act, but shall be popularly elected on a staggered term basis. Vacancies occurring on the board shall be filled by the local legislative body. In special school districts, vacancies on the board arising from death or resignation shall be filled by the special school district school board. Any person so appointed shall serve until a successor is elected and qualifies according to law. The successor shall be elected at the next general election for which candidates have a sufficient time to qualify under the law. Elections for school board members may be conducted on a partisan or nonpartisan basis. If at least one (1) county primary board of a political party elects to conduct school board elections on a partisan basis, then a person seeking a position on any board in that county may campaign as the nominee or representative of a political party, and political parties may nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party or by primary election under title 2.
(2) Notwithstanding the four-year term set out in this section for school boards, any special school district with a different term established by private act shall retain the existing board term.
(3) To implement subdivision (a)(1), the general assembly by private act, or the local legislative body by resolution, may adopt a plan to accomplish a transition from a method of selecting school board members authorized under prior law to an elected school board that is in compliance with subdivision (a)(1). Nothing in this section shall be construed to require simultaneous election of board members, nor to prevent board members selected under prior law or during a transition period from serving the full term for which they were selected. As part of the implementation process under subdivision (a)(1), the local legislative body may renumber existing school districts. During the transition period, the number of school board members may exceed the number authorized under subdivision (a)(1). A transition plan may not be validly enacted or adopted under this section after September 1, 1996.
(4) A private act enacted by the general assembly or a resolution adopted by a local legislative body prior to March 27, 1995, that established a transition plan as described in subdivision (a)(3), is declared to be in full compliance with the laws of this state. Any and all otherwise valid actions taken by a school board composed of members selected pursuant to such private acts or resolutions are ratified and confirmed.
(5) For any LEA that has failed to implement this section, the general assembly by private act, or the local legislative body by resolution, may adopt a plan to implement four-year staggered terms of election for a local board of education by July 31, 2005. Any plan for staggered terms of election implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(5) shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, but may vary the staggered sequence provided for in subdivision (a)(1).
(6) Any municipal board of education that, as authorized by private act, implemented a transition plan to bring the election of the board members into compliance with subdivision (a)(1), but that failed to comply with the election cycle established by the private act, may, by private act enacted by the general assembly and approved by the municipal legislative body, adopt a plan to restore the election of the board to compliance with subdivision (a)(1); provided, that the plan is adopted and implementation begun prior to January 1, 2009. Any plan for staggered four-year terms of election implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(6) shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section, but may vary the staggered sequence provided for in subdivision (a)(1). Any and all otherwise valid actions taken by the school board during the period of noncompliance with the election cycle required by the private act are ratified and confirmed.
(7) Any municipal board of education that, as authorized by private act, implemented a transition plan to bring the election of the board members into compliance with subdivision (a)(1), but currently has an election cycle in June, may, by private act enacted by the general assembly and approved by the municipal legislative body, adopt a plan to elect board members in the August general elections by extending the terms of the current school board members; provided, that the plan is adopted and implementation begun prior to January 1, 2015. Any plan implemented pursuant to this subdivision (a)(7) may extend the terms of any current board of education members, but shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this section.
(b) Only persons who are residents of the area served by an LEA are eligible to serve on the school board in counties with populations of seven hundred thousand (700,000) or more, according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
(c) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), members of municipal boards of education may be elected in the same manner, either from districts or at large, or a combination of both, used to elect members of the municipality's governing body, except that municipal school districts whose current board members have been elected from districts as of June 6, 1995, shall continue that method of election. (2) Subdivision (c)(1) does not apply in counties having a population of not less than five hundred thousand (500,000) nor more than five hundred fifty thousand (550,000), or in counties having a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (c)(2), members of municipal boards of education may be elected in the same manner, either from districts or at large, or a combination of both, used to elect members of the municipality's governing body, except that municipal school districts whose current board members have been elected from districts as of June 6, 1995, shall continue that method of election.
(2) Subdivision (c)(1) does not apply in counties having a population of not less than five hundred thousand (500,000) nor more than five hundred fifty thousand (550,000), or in counties having a population of not less than eight hundred twenty-five thousand (825,000) nor more than eight hundred thirty thousand (830,000), according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census.
(d) (1) (A) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school boards are to appear on the regular August election ballot are held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election is held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election shall be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) . (B) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on the regular November election ballot are held concurrently with the regular August election. The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(2) . (C) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on a ballot other than the regular August or regular November election ballot may be held on the first Tuesday in the third month before the election. If the first Tuesday of the third month falls on a legal holiday, the election shall be held on the second Tuesday of the third month before the election. Nothing in this subdivision (d)(1)(C) requires a primary election to held, political parties may elect to nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party pursuant to subdivision (a)(1). (2) If the date for a primary election falls within ninety (90) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in the jurisdiction, the commission or commissions may reset the date of the primary election to coincide with the regular primary or general election, even though this may be outside of the time period established herein. All dates dependent on the date of the election must be adjusted accordingly and any acts required to be done by these dates must be performed timely if done in accordance with the adjusted dates. (3) The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a) . (4) If the county executive committee timely filed a notice with the county election commission directing the commission to hold a May primary election in 2022, then within thirty (30) days of November 12, 2021, the county executive committee may file a supplemental notice, in writing, to include school board offices to be elected in the regular August election within the county.
(1) (A) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school boards are to appear on the regular August election ballot are held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election is held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election shall be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) . (B) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on the regular November election ballot are held concurrently with the regular August election. The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(2) . (C) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on a ballot other than the regular August or regular November election ballot may be held on the first Tuesday in the third month before the election. If the first Tuesday of the third month falls on a legal holiday, the election shall be held on the second Tuesday of the third month before the election. Nothing in this subdivision (d)(1)(C) requires a primary election to held, political parties may elect to nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party pursuant to subdivision (a)(1).
(A) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school boards are to appear on the regular August election ballot are held on the first Tuesday in May before the August election. In the years in which an election is held for president of the United States, a political party primary for offices to be elected in the regular August election shall be held on the same day as the presidential preference primary. In such event, the qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(3) .
(B) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on the regular November election ballot are held concurrently with the regular August election. The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a)(2) .
(C) Primary elections in which candidates nominated for school board are to appear on a ballot other than the regular August or regular November election ballot may be held on the first Tuesday in the third month before the election. If the first Tuesday of the third month falls on a legal holiday, the election shall be held on the second Tuesday of the third month before the election. Nothing in this subdivision (d)(1)(C) requires a primary election to held, political parties may elect to nominate candidates for membership on the board by any method authorized under the rules of the party pursuant to subdivision (a)(1).
(2) If the date for a primary election falls within ninety (90) days of an upcoming regular primary or general election being held in the jurisdiction, the commission or commissions may reset the date of the primary election to coincide with the regular primary or general election, even though this may be outside of the time period established herein. All dates dependent on the date of the election must be adjusted accordingly and any acts required to be done by these dates must be performed timely if done in accordance with the adjusted dates.
(3) The qualifying deadline for independent and primary candidates is twelve o'clock (12:00) noon, prevailing time, on the date established in § 2-5-101(a) .
(4) If the county executive committee timely filed a notice with the county election commission directing the commission to hold a May primary election in 2022, then within thirty (30) days of November 12, 2021, the county executive committee may file a supplemental notice, in writing, to include school board offices to be elected in the regular August election within the county.
(e) This section does not apply to an innovative school district as defined in § 49-8-1502 .
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1053,s 4, eff. 5/28/2024, app. to the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter.
Amended by 2021EX3 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1, Secs.s 1, s 2 eff. 11/12/2021.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 716, s 1, eff. 4/16/2014.
Acts 1925, ch. 115, § 6; Shan. Supp., § 1487a26; mod. Code 1932, § 2317; Acts 1961, ch. 262, §§ 1-4; 1970, ch. 508, § 1; 1972, ch. 697, §§ 1, 2; 1972, ch. 784, § 1; 1973, ch. 170, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1978, ch. 934, §§ 7, 36; Acts 1981, ch. 175, §§ 1, 2; 1983, ch. 424, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 49-208; Acts 1986, ch. 830, § 1; 1992, ch. 535, § 39; 1995, ch. 40, §§ 1, 2; 1995, ch. 404, §§ 1-6; 1995, ch. 435, §§ 1, 2; 1998, ch. 620, § 1; 1998, ch. 1012, §§ 1, 2; 2000, ch. 753, § 1; 2002, ch. 496, § 1; 2005, ch. 320, § 1; 2008 , ch. 772, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4105 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-4105
Arrest and prosecution for injury to student
Status: in_force

(a) No action taken by a teacher or principal pursuant to this part shall be grounds for the issuance of an arrest warrant or for the pressing of criminal charges against the teacher or principal, unless a report of an investigation by appropriate law enforcement officials along with independent medical verification of injury is presented to the judge or magistrate prior to issuing the warrant. The investigative findings shall be presented to the judge or magistrate within fifteen (15) days of receipt of notification. The law enforcement agency shall give notice to the director of schools or the director of schools' designee at the time it is notified of the allegations. (b) When an arrest warrant has been issued against a teacher for action taken pursuant to this part, the teacher shall be summoned to an administrative office or to a location other than on school grounds, so that students shall not be present, and shall be arrested there. The teacher is not to be arrested in the classroom or before any assembly of students. This subsection (b) shall not apply if a law enforcement officer reasonably believes that the teacher will flee from arrest or attempt to leave the jurisdiction of the court that issued the warrant. Acts 1986, ch. 578, § 1; 1987, ch. 133, § 1; 1987, ch. 134, § 1.
(a) No action taken by a teacher or principal pursuant to this part shall be grounds for the issuance of an arrest warrant or for the pressing of criminal charges against the teacher or principal, unless a report of an investigation by appropriate law enforcement officials along with independent medical verification of injury is presented to the judge or magistrate prior to issuing the warrant. The investigative findings shall be presented to the judge or magistrate within fifteen (15) days of receipt of notification. The law enforcement agency shall give notice to the director of schools or the director of schools' designee at the time it is notified of the allegations.
(b) When an arrest warrant has been issued against a teacher for action taken pursuant to this part, the teacher shall be summoned to an administrative office or to a location other than on school grounds, so that students shall not be present, and shall be arrested there. The teacher is not to be arrested in the classroom or before any assembly of students. This subsection (b) shall not apply if a law enforcement officer reasonably believes that the teacher will flee from arrest or attempt to leave the jurisdiction of the court that issued the warrant.
Acts 1986, ch. 578, § 1; 1987, ch. 133, § 1; 1987, ch. 134, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-1002 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 1 / Section 49-1-1002
Guidelines and standards - Requirements
Status: in_force

(a) The commissioner of education, in consultation with the department of health and in accordance with its duties under title 68, chapter 1, part 12, shall develop guidelines based on the federal centers for disease control and prevention model for the implementation of a coordinated school health program. It is the intent that these guidelines serve as a model for LEAs in addressing the health needs of their students and improving student opportunities for academic achievement. Components of a coordinated school health program shall include, but not be limited to, health services, health education, school nutrition services, physical education, healthy school environment, school counseling, school psychological and social services, staff health and wellness, and family and community involvement to enhance student health. In formulating this program, the commissioner shall consider existing local school/local health departments and community collaborations to promote and support student health and wellness, as well as other state and local programs and initiatives in this area. (b) In developing the guidelines and standards, the following components must be included, notwithstanding the fact that the centers for disease control model for the implementation of a coordinated school health program contains such requirements: (1) The family life curriculum contained in chapter 6, part 13 of this title shall continue to be observed; (2) A parent or legal guardian who wishes to excuse the parent's or legal guardian's student from participating in a health screening provided as part of a coordinated school health program must submit a request in writing to the student's school nurse, instructor, school counselor, or principal. As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "health screening" includes vision, dental, blood pressure, and hearing screenings; and (3) To the extent permitted by state or federal law, any aspect of family planning or contraception shall be governed by § 68-1-1205 and the policies set by the local boards of education. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 353, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 37, eff. 5/25/2021. Acts 2000, ch. 554, § 3.
(a) The commissioner of education, in consultation with the department of health and in accordance with its duties under title 68, chapter 1, part 12, shall develop guidelines based on the federal centers for disease control and prevention model for the implementation of a coordinated school health program. It is the intent that these guidelines serve as a model for LEAs in addressing the health needs of their students and improving student opportunities for academic achievement. Components of a coordinated school health program shall include, but not be limited to, health services, health education, school nutrition services, physical education, healthy school environment, school counseling, school psychological and social services, staff health and wellness, and family and community involvement to enhance student health. In formulating this program, the commissioner shall consider existing local school/local health departments and community collaborations to promote and support student health and wellness, as well as other state and local programs and initiatives in this area.
(b) In developing the guidelines and standards, the following components must be included, notwithstanding the fact that the centers for disease control model for the implementation of a coordinated school health program contains such requirements: (1) The family life curriculum contained in chapter 6, part 13 of this title shall continue to be observed; (2) A parent or legal guardian who wishes to excuse the parent's or legal guardian's student from participating in a health screening provided as part of a coordinated school health program must submit a request in writing to the student's school nurse, instructor, school counselor, or principal. As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "health screening" includes vision, dental, blood pressure, and hearing screenings; and (3) To the extent permitted by state or federal law, any aspect of family planning or contraception shall be governed by § 68-1-1205 and the policies set by the local boards of education.
(1) The family life curriculum contained in chapter 6, part 13 of this title shall continue to be observed;
(2) A parent or legal guardian who wishes to excuse the parent's or legal guardian's student from participating in a health screening provided as part of a coordinated school health program must submit a request in writing to the student's school nurse, instructor, school counselor, or principal. As used in this subdivision (b)(2), "health screening" includes vision, dental, blood pressure, and hearing screenings; and
(3) To the extent permitted by state or federal law, any aspect of family planning or contraception shall be governed by § 68-1-1205 and the policies set by the local boards of education.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 353, s 2, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 493, s 37, eff. 5/25/2021.
Acts 2000, ch. 554, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-10-115 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 10 / Section 49-10-115
Annual submission of information by LEAs - Annual report by department of education
Status: in_force

(a) Each LEA shall annually submit to the department, at a minimum, the following information in accordance with the department's guidelines: (1) A census of children with disabilities showing the total number and distribution of children within the LEA's jurisdiction who are provided special education and related services; (2) An assurance that IDEA funds will be used to supplement, and not to supplant, state and local funds, and will be expended only for the excess cost of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities; (3) An assurance that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children without disabilities; (4) A detailed budget and end of the year report of expenditures of all funds available to provide special education and related services; and (5) An assurance that a FAPE is available to all children with disabilities between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21), inclusive, including children who reach twenty-two (22) years of age during the school year and children who have been suspended or expelled for more than ten (10) school days in a school year. (b) The department shall annually report on the department's website, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The number and percentage of children with disabilities in this state; (2) The number and percentage of children with disabilities, disaggregated by disability category; (3) The participation and performance of children with disabilities on state assessments; and (4) Other performance indicators for children with disabilities. (c) The report created by the department of education pursuant to this section must exclude any personally identifiable information and must be created in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ), § 10-7-504 , and any other relevant state or federal privacy law. Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107, s 16, eff. 4/11/2019.
(a) Each LEA shall annually submit to the department, at a minimum, the following information in accordance with the department's guidelines: (1) A census of children with disabilities showing the total number and distribution of children within the LEA's jurisdiction who are provided special education and related services; (2) An assurance that IDEA funds will be used to supplement, and not to supplant, state and local funds, and will be expended only for the excess cost of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities; (3) An assurance that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children without disabilities; (4) A detailed budget and end of the year report of expenditures of all funds available to provide special education and related services; and (5) An assurance that a FAPE is available to all children with disabilities between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21), inclusive, including children who reach twenty-two (22) years of age during the school year and children who have been suspended or expelled for more than ten (10) school days in a school year.
(1) A census of children with disabilities showing the total number and distribution of children within the LEA's jurisdiction who are provided special education and related services;
(2) An assurance that IDEA funds will be used to supplement, and not to supplant, state and local funds, and will be expended only for the excess cost of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities;
(3) An assurance that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities are educated with children without disabilities;
(4) A detailed budget and end of the year report of expenditures of all funds available to provide special education and related services; and
(5) An assurance that a FAPE is available to all children with disabilities between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21), inclusive, including children who reach twenty-two (22) years of age during the school year and children who have been suspended or expelled for more than ten (10) school days in a school year.
(b) The department shall annually report on the department's website, at a minimum, the following information: (1) The number and percentage of children with disabilities in this state; (2) The number and percentage of children with disabilities, disaggregated by disability category; (3) The participation and performance of children with disabilities on state assessments; and (4) Other performance indicators for children with disabilities.
(1) The number and percentage of children with disabilities in this state;
(2) The number and percentage of children with disabilities, disaggregated by disability category;
(3) The participation and performance of children with disabilities on state assessments; and
(4) Other performance indicators for children with disabilities.
(c) The report created by the department of education pursuant to this section must exclude any personally identifiable information and must be created in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ( 20 U.S.C. § 1232g ), § 10-7-504 , and any other relevant state or federal privacy law.
Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 107, s 16, eff. 4/11/2019.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-2-804 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 2 / Section 49-2-804
Appeal of denial of request for reasonable accommodation
Status: in_force

(a) If a written request for a reasonable accommodation is denied by the principal, then the student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, may appeal the decision to the director of schools, or to the director's designee, by submitting a written request for an appeal to the director of schools, or the director's designee, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the individual's receipt of the principal's written decision denying their request for accommodation. The director of schools, or the director's designee, shall investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint within fifteen (15) calendar days of the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of the written request for an appeal. (b) If a written request for a reasonable accommodation is denied by the director of schools, or the director's designee, then the student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, may appeal the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision by requesting a hearing on the matter before an impartial hearing officer selected by the local board of education. To appeal the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision: (1) The student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, must give written notice to the director of schools, or to the director's designee, of the individual's request for a hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the individual's receipt of the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision denying the request for accommodation; (2) The director of schools, or the director's designee, shall name an impartial hearing officer within five (5) days following the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of a request for a hearing. The impartial hearing officer shall notify all parties of the hearing officer's assignment and schedule a hearing no later than thirty (30) days following the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of the individual's request for a hearing. The impartial hearing officer may conduct all or part of the hearing by telephone if each participant has an opportunity to participate by telephone; (3) The hearing must be conducted privately; and (4) The impartial hearing officer shall, within ten (10) days of the hearing's conclusion, provide a written decision to all parties. (c) As used in this section, "impartial" means that the selected hearing officer has no history of employment with the local board of education or the director of schools, and has no relationship with any member of the respective local board of education or with the person requesting the hearing. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 452, s 5, eff. 7/1/2021.
(a) If a written request for a reasonable accommodation is denied by the principal, then the student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, may appeal the decision to the director of schools, or to the director's designee, by submitting a written request for an appeal to the director of schools, or the director's designee, within fifteen (15) calendar days of the individual's receipt of the principal's written decision denying their request for accommodation. The director of schools, or the director's designee, shall investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint within fifteen (15) calendar days of the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of the written request for an appeal.
(b) If a written request for a reasonable accommodation is denied by the director of schools, or the director's designee, then the student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, may appeal the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision by requesting a hearing on the matter before an impartial hearing officer selected by the local board of education. To appeal the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision: (1) The student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, must give written notice to the director of schools, or to the director's designee, of the individual's request for a hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the individual's receipt of the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision denying the request for accommodation; (2) The director of schools, or the director's designee, shall name an impartial hearing officer within five (5) days following the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of a request for a hearing. The impartial hearing officer shall notify all parties of the hearing officer's assignment and schedule a hearing no later than thirty (30) days following the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of the individual's request for a hearing. The impartial hearing officer may conduct all or part of the hearing by telephone if each participant has an opportunity to participate by telephone; (3) The hearing must be conducted privately; and (4) The impartial hearing officer shall, within ten (10) days of the hearing's conclusion, provide a written decision to all parties.
(1) The student, teacher, or employee, or the student's parent or legal guardian, as applicable, must give written notice to the director of schools, or to the director's designee, of the individual's request for a hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days of the individual's receipt of the director of schools', or the director's designee's, decision denying the request for accommodation;
(2) The director of schools, or the director's designee, shall name an impartial hearing officer within five (5) days following the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of a request for a hearing. The impartial hearing officer shall notify all parties of the hearing officer's assignment and schedule a hearing no later than thirty (30) days following the director of schools', or the director's designee's, receipt of the individual's request for a hearing. The impartial hearing officer may conduct all or part of the hearing by telephone if each participant has an opportunity to participate by telephone;
(3) The hearing must be conducted privately; and
(4) The impartial hearing officer shall, within ten (10) days of the hearing's conclusion, provide a written decision to all parties.
(c) As used in this section, "impartial" means that the selected hearing officer has no history of employment with the local board of education or the director of schools, and has no relationship with any member of the respective local board of education or with the person requesting the hearing.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 452, s 5, eff. 7/1/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1014 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-1014
Celebrate Freedom Week
Status: in_force

(a) (1) As used in this section, "Constitution Day" means a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens that is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, unless the day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, in which schools observe the holiday during the week of classes in which the seventeenth day of such month falls. (2) For purposes of subdivision (a)(1), Sunday shall be considered the first day of the week. (b) To educate students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values upon which this country was founded, the week of September 17, 2018, and annually thereafter, is designated as Celebrate Freedom Week to honor Constitution Day in all public schools. (c) The department of education shall promote Celebrate Freedom Week. (d) During Celebrate Freedom Week, all students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) shall receive instruction on Celebrate Freedom Week topics, including the resources and materials in subsection (f) to be determined by each school. (e) Each topic of Celebrate Freedom Week shall be taught in compliance with § 49-6-1011 . (f) No later than December 31, 2017, the department of education shall provide each LEA with a variety of age and grade appropriate internet resources and materials for instructional use for Celebrate Freedom Week. The resources and materials shall be provided to aid educators and curriculum coordinators in creating programs and lesson plans for Celebrate Freedom Week. The department and LEA shall post information about Constitution Day and Celebrate Freedom Week, as well as the recommended resources and materials on their respective websites. (g) Schools are encouraged to: (1) Create materials and resources for the week in accordance with this section; (2) Study the meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States constitution with an emphasis on the preamble and the bill of rights; and (3) Provide for the study of the Declaration of Independence to include study of the relationship between ideas expressed in that document and subsequent American history, including: (A) The rich diversity of American people as a nation of immigrants; (B) The American revolution; (C) The formulation of the United States constitution; and (D) The abolitionist movement, including the emancipation proclamation and the women's suffrage movement. (h) During Celebrate Freedom Week, all students are encouraged to study and recite the following language from the Declaration of Independence that sum up the American philosophy of freedom: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011 , ch. 251, §§ 1, 2.
(a) (1) As used in this section, "Constitution Day" means a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens that is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, unless the day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, in which schools observe the holiday during the week of classes in which the seventeenth day of such month falls. (2) For purposes of subdivision (a)(1), Sunday shall be considered the first day of the week.
(1) As used in this section, "Constitution Day" means a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become United States citizens that is normally observed on September 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia, unless the day falls on a weekend or on another holiday, in which schools observe the holiday during the week of classes in which the seventeenth day of such month falls.
(2) For purposes of subdivision (a)(1), Sunday shall be considered the first day of the week.
(b) To educate students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) about the sacrifices made for freedom in the founding of this country and the values upon which this country was founded, the week of September 17, 2018, and annually thereafter, is designated as Celebrate Freedom Week to honor Constitution Day in all public schools.
(c) The department of education shall promote Celebrate Freedom Week.
(d) During Celebrate Freedom Week, all students in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12) shall receive instruction on Celebrate Freedom Week topics, including the resources and materials in subsection (f) to be determined by each school.
(e) Each topic of Celebrate Freedom Week shall be taught in compliance with § 49-6-1011 .
(f) No later than December 31, 2017, the department of education shall provide each LEA with a variety of age and grade appropriate internet resources and materials for instructional use for Celebrate Freedom Week. The resources and materials shall be provided to aid educators and curriculum coordinators in creating programs and lesson plans for Celebrate Freedom Week. The department and LEA shall post information about Constitution Day and Celebrate Freedom Week, as well as the recommended resources and materials on their respective websites.
(g) Schools are encouraged to: (1) Create materials and resources for the week in accordance with this section; (2) Study the meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States constitution with an emphasis on the preamble and the bill of rights; and (3) Provide for the study of the Declaration of Independence to include study of the relationship between ideas expressed in that document and subsequent American history, including: (A) The rich diversity of American people as a nation of immigrants; (B) The American revolution; (C) The formulation of the United States constitution; and (D) The abolitionist movement, including the emancipation proclamation and the women's suffrage movement.
(1) Create materials and resources for the week in accordance with this section;
(2) Study the meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States constitution with an emphasis on the preamble and the bill of rights; and
(3) Provide for the study of the Declaration of Independence to include study of the relationship between ideas expressed in that document and subsequent American history, including: (A) The rich diversity of American people as a nation of immigrants; (B) The American revolution; (C) The formulation of the United States constitution; and (D) The abolitionist movement, including the emancipation proclamation and the women's suffrage movement.
(A) The rich diversity of American people as a nation of immigrants;
(B) The American revolution;
(C) The formulation of the United States constitution; and
(D) The abolitionist movement, including the emancipation proclamation and the women's suffrage movement.
(h) During Celebrate Freedom Week, all students are encouraged to study and recite the following language from the Declaration of Independence that sum up the American philosophy of freedom: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Acts 2005, ch. 202, § 1; 2011 , ch. 251, §§ 1, 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-803 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 6 / Section 49-6-803
Direction of safety team
Status: in_force

The state-level safety team shall be directed by the commissioner of safety. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 4, eff. 7/1/2023. Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 4.
The state-level safety team shall be directed by the commissioner of safety.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 367, s 4, eff. 7/1/2023.
Acts 2007 , ch. 548, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-906 — TN Code / Title 49 / Chapter 50 / Section 49-50-906
Implementation of part
Status: in_force

(a) The state board of education, through the commissioner of education, is authorized and directed to take such action as the board deems necessary to implement and to oversee implementation of this part in a thorough and cost-effective manner. (b) Throughout the implementation phase of this part, the board shall periodically inform the appropriate committees of the senate and of the house of representatives, designated by the respective speakers, of actions planned or undertaken to implement these provisions. (c) The state board shall also take appropriate steps to: (1) Explore alternatives and undertake negotiations to effectuate this part; (2) Effectuate, in coordination with other appropriate agencies, the lease or transfer of the state-owned real and personal property currently utilized for educational television purposes, as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this part; (3) Encourage and assist in the creation and development of the Tennessee public television council; (4) Explore alternative methods and undertake action to assist public television stations in the development of their fund-raising capabilities; and (5) Study alternative formulas for distributing annual state educational television grants in order to achieve an equitable funding pattern and encourage local fund-raising efforts. The formula shall be fully implemented no later than July 1, 1987. Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 6.
(a) The state board of education, through the commissioner of education, is authorized and directed to take such action as the board deems necessary to implement and to oversee implementation of this part in a thorough and cost-effective manner.
(b) Throughout the implementation phase of this part, the board shall periodically inform the appropriate committees of the senate and of the house of representatives, designated by the respective speakers, of actions planned or undertaken to implement these provisions.
(c) The state board shall also take appropriate steps to: (1) Explore alternatives and undertake negotiations to effectuate this part; (2) Effectuate, in coordination with other appropriate agencies, the lease or transfer of the state-owned real and personal property currently utilized for educational television purposes, as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this part; (3) Encourage and assist in the creation and development of the Tennessee public television council; (4) Explore alternative methods and undertake action to assist public television stations in the development of their fund-raising capabilities; and (5) Study alternative formulas for distributing annual state educational television grants in order to achieve an equitable funding pattern and encourage local fund-raising efforts. The formula shall be fully implemented no later than July 1, 1987.
(1) Explore alternatives and undertake negotiations to effectuate this part;
(2) Effectuate, in coordination with other appropriate agencies, the lease or transfer of the state-owned real and personal property currently utilized for educational television purposes, as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this part;
(3) Encourage and assist in the creation and development of the Tennessee public television council;
(4) Explore alternative methods and undertake action to assist public television stations in the development of their fund-raising capabilities; and
(5) Study alternative formulas for distributing annual state educational television grants in order to achieve an equitable funding pattern and encourage local fund-raising efforts. The formula shall be fully implemented no later than July 1, 1987.
Acts 1984, ch. 514, § 6.