Following months of strong engagement and conversations about public education funding in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Education announced over 1,300 public comments have been submitted on a potential student-based K-12 public education funding formula in Tennessee. Comments and input have been submitted by hundreds of parents, educators, superintendents, elected officials, business and community leaders, and citizens from across the state.

On Tuesday, January 11, the department released an initial draft framework of a potential student-based funding formula, informed by input of thousands of Tennesseans. As part of a robust public review and engagement process, public comment on the draft framework and overall funding review engagement process has been shared with the 18 subcommittees to help inform potential recommendations for a new funding formula. Any proposed new funding formula would prioritize strategic investments in students, transparent reporting and accountability, and student-centered decisions.

“Tennesseans recognize what a historic moment in time this is for education in our state, and I want to thank those who submitted public comments as part of our engagement process on a potential new funding formula for Tennessee’s public schools,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “As has been shared in subcommittee meetings, at town halls, on social media, and at local meetings, a new public education funding formula for Tennessee must be centered around our students so that we can ensure our children can thrive in the classroom and be successful after high school.”

The draft framework for a new student-based funding formula would include funding for services and supports for K-12 public schools that are currently funded in the existing formula. The draft framework is available here.

In late December, Commissioner Schwinn gave an update to Gov. Bill Lee on the public school funding engagement process and discussed next steps moving forward. Watch the recording here.

All subcommittee meeting recordings are available online and their final meetings will take place the week of January 24^th. Subcommittees will finalize draft formula recommendations to be provided to Gov. Lee and the Funding Review Steering Committee, which is composed of policymakers and legislative leadership, for consideration. Commentary from subcommittee meetings includes:

“As true for all, I just hope that students are able to pursue what they would like to without restraint, but one of the things that I am most passionate about and bring a lot of experience from my own community is the ability to for students to access the basic needs such as quality textbooks despite social economic factors or anything else that might go into it.” – Comfort Markwei, Student Council President at Central Magnet High School, Student Engagement Subcommittee 

“I think one of the things that I think we’re going to need to look at around special education is the ratios for staffing to students.” – David Martin, Superintendent, Tennessee School for the Blind, Students with Disabilities and Gifted Subcommittee

“I think continuing funding for school social workers and school counselors. I know that isn’t necessarily teaching, but I can’t do my job without my school counselor and my school social worker. I also wanted to mention that we should look at ratios and see if we can get schools in better ratios.” – Elizabeth Evans, 2021-22 Teacher of the Year finalist, Anderson County Schools, East Region, Teacher Advisory Subcommittee

“I would just like to add that the transparency was real, and I was truly excited to see this report and how it reflects what my committee actually recommended, and I think they are going to be really excited to see the draft in the proposal.” – Dr. Youlanda Jones, Higher Education and Post-Secondary Readiness Subcommittee Chair, Funding Review Subcommittee Chair 

Additionally, public comments have been submitted from citizens throughout Tennessee, including to Tennessee School Funding Ambassadors who have been collecting public comments from their local communities and submitted to the department. Common themes include:

“Build a simplified, student-weighted funding formula giving additional weight value to low-income student population in underserved areas.” – Tennessee School Funding Ambassador Submission

“We need to fully fund public education with student need-based funding models. The base amount must be adequate for an education that ensures each student will receive the full education they need.” – Tennessee School Funding Ambassador Submission

“Invest in our children by giving our youth updated books and materials, better funding into our public schools. The children are our future. Education should be a top priority in Tennessee. It’s important to have the best materials and teachers in our schools. Without a good education there can be no growth.” – Tennessee School Funding Ambassador Submission

After Gov. Bill Lee announced in October that the state would review its public school funding formula, hundreds of Tennesseans indicated they would be interested in supporting the work of the 18 school funding subcommittees tasked with making recommendations to a steering committee of legislative leaders for a new student-based funding formula in Tennessee. The department hosted eight public town halls and local match meetings across the state, and created an additional engagement opportunity for Tennesseans to participate in the process as School Funding Ambassadors to collect public comments from community members. Additionally, members of the Tennessee General Assembly are hosting events across the state. Additional information can be found here. 

Cannon County Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 due to icing and treacherous driving conditions.

Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William Freddy Curtis stated, “Cannon County Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, January 20^th, 2022 due to treacherous driving conditions developing throughout Cannon County.  Icing of roads has been reported by Tennessee Highway Patrol in parts of Cannon County and temperatures are forecast to be below freezing all day today.  The safety of our students and personnel is always our utmost priority. This will be our 8^th Inclement Weather Day utilized in the 2021-2022 School Year.  Additionally, we are having staffing issues due to illness and a distinct rise in COVID-19 cases among students and staff.”

Corey Davenport announces his candidacy for Cannon County Executive in the May 3^rd, 2022, Republican Primary and the August 4^th, 2022, General Election.

Davenport currently serves as a County Commissioner for the 2^nd District consisting of Auburntown, Gassaway, Pleasant Ridge, and parts of Short Mountain. Davenport is currently serving on the Budget Committee, the A.D.A. Advisory and Grievance Board, the HR Policy and Procedures Committee and other committees as needed.

“Over the last 20 years, I have dedicated my time and efforts to helping Cannon County and its citizens to the best of my ability”, said Davenport. I have served on the Board of Directors for the Cannon County S.A.V.E. Domestic Violence program, I served as Chairman for the Cannon County Election Commission, Chairman of the Cannon County Republican Party, Chairman for the Cannon County Industrial Development Board and as a member of the County Commission since 2018. All of those boards and committees have given me valuable insight to how our county government works and operates.”

“Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with many different organizations to secure over $100.000 in grant money for various non-profits in Cannon County such as the Cannon County Senior Center, the Cannon County Arts Center, the Cannon County Rescue Squad and others”

“I have a passion for Cannon County and, if I am elected, every decision that I make will have the best interests of the citizens and our communities in mind. I believe the citizens deserve complete transparency from their government and elected officials, and I will make that a top priority if elected”.

Cannon County is where I was born and raised. It is all I have ever known and all I have ever wanted to know. Serving in the role of County Executive would be the honor and privilege of a lifetime. This is Our County and Our Future.”

Currently, Davenport works at General Mills, where he has been employed for the last 30 years.

Davenport is the son of the late Macon A. Davenport and Wanda Davenport. Corey and his wife Dana (Morris) Davenport have been married for 21 years and have a daughter, Courtney. He also has two sons, Zach and Alex Davenport.

Corey is a lifelong resident of the Pleasant Ridge community and a 1988 graduate of Cannon County High School. He is a member of the Church of Christ.

“I want to take this opportunity to ask you, the citizens of Cannon County, for your vote and your support in the May and August elections. Your vote is one of the most honored privileges I could ask for, and I know that I work for you if I am elected. It will not be possible to meet everyone prior to the elections, but I will try to see and talk to as many of you as possible. If I can be of any help to you, please reach out to me at 615-848-5478.”

The re-districting of the state will change the districts for Cannon County in the State’s General Assembly.

The county’s current representative, Clark Boyd will serve most of Wilson County in his new district.  Cannon County (under the new map will join, Jackson, Smith and DeKalb as district 40.

Terri Lynn Weaver is the current State Representative for District 40.

She is a 64 year old singer/songwriter who resides in Lancaster (Smith County).

Weaver’s assignments in the house include; Vice Chair, Education Instruction Committee, a member of Education Instruction Subcommittee, Naming and Designating Committee and Transportation Committee.

In the State Senate, Mark Pody’s district will now include part of southeastern Davidson County and no longer Cannon County.

Under the proposed new districting map, Cannon County will become part of district 14 along with half of Rutherford County, Bedford and Moore County.

Shane Reeves is the current State Senator for District 14, He is a 54 year old resident of Rutherford County.

Reeves is a CEO and a Pharmacist.

Reeves assignments in the senate include; 2nd Vice Chair, Health and Welfare, a member of Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Commerce and Labor.

Approval of the new district maps is moving thru committees currently, it is expected to be approved in the coming days.

One month from today, February 17^th at noon is the deadline for qualifying for local races this year. The list of would-be candidates (as of January 14th) to pick up petitions for local races.

So far, 36 individuals have expressed an intent to run.

Rebecca Tramel – School Board District 2

Walter Mears – Commission District 3

Todd Paxon – School Board 2

Karen Ashford – Commission District 2

Chris Singleton – Commission District 2

Paula Brandon – Circuit Court Clerk

Ashley Lawson – Commission District 2

Jennifer Duggin – School Board District 2

Brad Hall – Sheriff

Chris Alexander – Commission District 1

Brent Brandon – Commission District 4

Randy Gannon – Commission District 4

John House – Sheriff

Krystal Alexander – Commission District 5

Anthony Cain – General Sessions Judge (R)

Carly Gannon – School Board District 4

Millie Mingle – Trustee

Doyle Duke – Road Commission Zone 2

Jimmy Williams – Road Commission Zone 3

Seventeen Candidates who have already qualified for their positions include;

Howard Wilson – Chancellor District 16 (Q) (R)

Barry Tidwell – Circuit Court Judge Division 3 (Q) (R)

Darrell Scarlett – Circuit Court Judge Division 5 (Q) (R)

Jimmy Turner – Circuit Court Judge Division 2 (Q) (R)

Corey Davenport – County Executive (Q) (R)

Barry Burt – Road Commission Zone 1 (Q)

Tony Burnett – Commission District #5 (Q)

Lana Jones – County Clerk (Q)

Sandy Hollandsworth – Register of Deeds (Q)

James Adkins – Commission District #2 (Q)

Norma Knox – Trustee (Q)

Matt Cowan – General Sessions Judge (Q) (R)

Darrell Young – Sheriff (Q)

Katina George – Circuit Court Clerk (Q)

Greg Mitchell – County Executive (Q)

Terry Horn – Road Commission Zone 1 (Q)

Gerald Melton – Public Defender (Q) (R)

Those running as Republicans are identified with an (R).  

The Cannon County Board of Education voted 5-0 at its regular meeting on Thursday, January 13^th, 2022 to approve and go forward with the “Modernization and Restructuring of Cannon County Schools – Submission of 5-Year Plan – Cannon County Schools – Goal 4 – Develop and Implement a long-range facilities plan that provides opportunities and resources for ALL students, facilities, and staff.”

This 5 Year Plan includes the following Timeline:

Timeline Summary:

August 2022
Closing Auburn, East Side, and Short Mountain Schools

Cannon County Elementary School (former Woodbury Grammar): Pre-K- 5th & Life Skills and
Cannon County Middle School (All 6th-8th graders in the county will be moved to CCMS (located at former Woodbury Grammar School for a temporary middle school until construction of permanent Cannon County Middle School.) with Estimated Capacity: 658

Cannon County South Elementary School (former Woodland Elementary School): PreK-5 with Estimated Capacity: 390

Cannon County North Elementary School (former West Side Elementary School): Pre-K- 5 with Estimated Capacity: 325

School Year 2023-2024
Cannon County Elementary School (former Woodbury Grammar School) Classroom Expansion Complete

School Years 2024-2025 & 2025-2026
Build Cannon County Middle School with an auxiliary gym
Remodel Old Gym with Alternative School in the basement
Cannon County Middle School Opens with newly expanded Cannon County Elementary School (former Woodbury Grammar School) housing ALL PreK-5th Grade Students.
Closure of Cannon County South (former Woodland Elementary School) and Cannon County North (former West Side Elementary School).

Cannon County Director of Schools William Freddy Curtis stated, “The Cannon County Board of Education has taken a historic and substantial step for modernization and restructuring the entire school system.  Steps of this significance have not occurred in Cannon County since the early 1960s.  Understandably, there is sadness at the closing of schools that have been in operation since the 1950s and early 1960s.  There will be endeavors to preserve the history of these schools and their significance to the education of thousands of students in Cannon County.  The implementation of this Plan will be intense in the up-coming weeks and months and will involve great change and hard work on ALL staff in Cannon County Schools.  This is the first step in a series of many steps on a journey that will impact succeeding generations of students in Cannon County.  The Cannon County Board of Education and Cannon County Schools is committed to its Vision – ‘To Actively Engage in Excellence EVERY Day in EVERY Way!’ and Mission – ‘To Create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for All Students to Succeed and Reach Their Full Potential.’  Change is never easy.  And this process will not be easy, and much hard work will have to take place in the upcoming months for all our faculties and staffs.   However, as we all look at the future of education in Cannon County, there is hope and encouragement for the betterment of Cannon County Schools and the futures of our most precious asset – the children of Cannon County.”

Cannon County Board of Education Chairman Jennifer Duggin stated, “Embrace uncertainty.  Some of the most beautiful chapters in our life do not have titles until much later.  Today, the unity begins.  In August, students, teachers, and faculty will be brought together for the first time in our history.  Unity will start to transform our system for the better.”

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) President and CEO Chris Jones has received the 2022 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) presented Jones the award at the organization’s CEO Close-Up Conference Jan. 10 in Phoenix.

According to NRECA, the J.C. Brown Award “recognizes an electric cooperative or public power district CEO/general manager who is committed to advancing communication at the cooperative and in the electric cooperative industry.” 

Jones has an extensive background in the communications field, graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in communications and starting his career as a journalist and editor. He went to work at MTE in 1999, serving as communications coordinator and the VP of communications and member services before being named CEO in 2013.

“We should understand, yet not be intimidated by, the reality that communication is work that is never finished and demands intentionality and continuous improvement,” Jones said. “I have been studying communication since college and attempting to execute it throughout my professional career, and I know I still have much to learn and improve upon. However, I am humbled by and appreciative of this recognition from NRECA.”

Jones emphasizes the importance of clear, simple and repeated communication across multiple channels to all of MTE’s audiences, always striving to meet the goal of making the lives of MTE members better. In recent years, his leadership and robust communication efforts have navigated the organization through a major tornado in its service area, several severe weather events, the acquisition of United Communications, the merger with the Murfreesboro Electric Department, the continued impacts of COVID-19 and a complete brand refresh. His nomination was given a perfect score by one of the three judges who helped select this year’s winner and another mentioned his “notable” use of a strategic plan to communicate the organization’s mission and goals with both employees and members.

 

After months of strong engagement and conversations about public education funding in Tennessee and years of consistent feedback, today the Tennessee Department of Education released an initial draft overview of a potential student-based funding formula, informed by input of thousands of Tennesseans– parents, educators, superintendents, elected officials, business and community leaders, and citizens from across the state– and is encouraging all Tennesseans to send feedback on this draft framework by an extended deadline of Tuesday, January 18th at noon CT. Comment should be sent to tnedu.funding@tn.gov. 

“I want to personally thank the Tennessee parents, teachers, students and citizens who have engaged in this important discussion about our state’s education funding, and to encourage all Tennesseans who want to get involved to send their public comments on this latest draft,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “As we plan for the future of Tennessee, this process will continue to ensure we’re listening to the people of the state and improving how we invest resources to set our students up for success.” 

As part of a robust public review and engagement process, Tennesseans from around the state have submitted public comment that is being shared with 18 subcommittees to help inform potential recommendations for a new funding formula. Any proposed new funding formula would prioritize strategic investments in students, transparent reporting and accountability, and student-centered decisions. 

“People know what they want for public school funding, and we are thrilled so many Tennesseans have participated in this process and see what this will mean for students,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “We know this cannot just be about a funding formula in isolation, but about what funding can do to accelerate achievement for our students, ensure they have access to a high-quality education, and set them up for success after high school.”  

The draft framework for a new student-based funding formula would include funding for all services and supports for K-12 public schools that are currently funded in the existing formula. The draft framework, available here for public review and comment, also reflects the following feedback from stakeholders:

• Base: Educator salaries, RTI² support, Counselors and school-based supports, District-specific needs, Technology, Nurses, Coordinated School Health 
• Weights: Poverty and Concentrated Poverty, Rural, Unique Learning Needs (special education English learner, gifted, dyslexia), and Charter Schools
• Direct Funding: Fast Growing Districts, Tutoring for 4th Grade, Career and Technical Education (CTE)
• Outcomes: Literacy, ReadyGrad Indicators with Outcomes, CTE Completers, WBL and Apprenticeships, JROTC, FAFSA Completion 

Tennesseans are encouraged to submit public comment on the components of this draft by the deadline for public comment, which is Tuesday, January 18th at noon CT.

In late December, Commissioner Schwinn gave an update to Gov. Bill Lee on the public school funding engagement process and discussed next steps moving forward. Watch the recording here. 

Hundreds of public comments have been submitted from citizens throughout Tennessee. Common themes include: 

“College & career experiences and culture beginning in K. Create a culture where post secondary ed is the norm, present college and technical education with equality, and expose students to what jobs exist, but also the possibilities of jobs to be created!” – Nicole Carney (@mrsncarney), Twitter Town Hall Participant 

“Right now, it’s my belief that we need more money into our career technical programs. That’ll be our need for a few years and it may change to something else down the road–but we need to have that flexibility as you design this program, to do what we need to do.” – Mark Farley, Gainesboro Town Hall Attendee  
  
“Students need earlier intervention for reading disabilities and intervention for all that struggle with disabilities. Currently, smart kids with reading disabilities do not receive help if they manage to stay above their schools RTI dividing line. These students deserve to reach their full potential. Targeted intervention should be available for all disabled readers. Reading intervention needs to happen early, Kindergarten. Schools need more and better trained reading interventionists, not unskilled teaching assistants.” – Alison Turner, Emailed Public Comment  
  
“Fund programming and additional professionals sufficient to meet the needs of low-income students, English learners, students with disabilities, and students that are performing below grade level.” – Jerry Park, Emailed Public Comment  
  
“In order to strengthen our students and to benefit them in the future, I feel there are several places additional funding should be given. School Counselors; in larger schools, counselors can either hold class or meet with students in need.” – Jennifer Taggart, Emailed Public Comment 

“I feel like we need to have ways to help our teachers such as better pay for our teachers so we can keep good teachers, better retirement. More principles to help with the kids, more nurses, smaller classes with more teachers, more counselors, pay increase yearly with cost of living going up every year. This is just a few of the many ways we can help our schools and community.” – Sue Anderson, Emailed Public Comment 

After Gov. Bill Lee announced in October that the state would review its public school funding formula, hundreds of Tennesseans indicated they would be interested in supporting the work of the 18 school funding subcommittees tasked with making recommendations to a steering committee of legislative leaders for a new student-based funding formula in Tennessee. The department hosted eight public town halls and local match meetings across the state, and created an additional engagement opportunity for Tennesseans to participate in the process and has developed a simple form for School Funding Ambassadors to use to collect public comments from community members. Additionally, members of the Tennessee General Assembly are hosting events across the state. Additional information can be found here. 

All subcommittee meeting recordings are available online. Subcommittees will finalize formula recommendations in the coming weeks, which will be provided to Governor Lee for consideration.  

In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Jan. 11 and National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Secretary of State Tre Hargett is encouraging anyone who has ever been a victim of human trafficking, stalking, domestic abuse or any sexual offense to protect themselves with the Safe at Home address confidentiality program.

“Safe at Home is a free program that prevents abusers from locating their victims through public records,” said Secretary Hargett. “If you are concerned about your address being a matter of public record, I recommend reaching out to Safe at Home to see if we can be a part of your safety plan.”

While interacting with state and local government, one of the first things Tennesseans are asked to provide is their home address. This includes things we do every day like getting a driver’s license, registering to vote, registering for school, accessing assistance programs or legal purposes.

Under Tennessee law, most state and local government records are available for public review. These public records, which include home addresses and other identifying information, can make it easy for abusers to track and find their victims.

Safe at Home participants are issued a substitute address they can use anytime they interact with state and local government or anyone who could potentially make their home address part of the public record. This substitute address can be used by anyone in the household, including children, elderly parents and new spouses.

It is not uncommon for victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse to temporarily live in a shelter or a safety center. Before Safe at Home, these Tennesseans could not access many government services because they did not have a valid home address. With Safe at Home, participants can immediately access the services they need because they are provided with an address they can use to do so.

The first step to enrolling in the Safe at Home program is to complete an application with a partnering agency in your community. Safe at Home has partner agencies serving all 95 counties in Tennessee.  Each partner agency has certified application assistants to guide participants through enrollment.

Safe at Home partner agencies include state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide counseling and shelter services to victims of domestic abuse and other crimes. A list of partnering agencies is available on our website SafeAtHomeTN.com.

Resources for Cannon Countians include;

16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office 312 West Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (615) 898-0088

Legal Aid Society 526 N. Walnut Street, Murfreesboro, TN 38130 (615) 890-0905

Cannon County S.A.V.E P.O. Box 329 Woodbury, TN 37190 (615) 563-6690

Safe at Home, which launched in 2019 and was expanded by the Tennessee State Legislature in 2021, is open to Tennesseans of any age or gender who have been victims of human trafficking, stalking, domestic abuse or any sexual offense. The program is currently serving hundreds of victims in 40 counties across Tennessee. There is no cost to participate in the Safe at Home program. For more information about the Safe at Home program or to find a partner agency in your community, visit SafeAtHomeTN.com or call 615-253-3043.

Cannon County Schools will be opening two hours LATE on Monday, January 10th, with Bus Driver Discretion. Schools which have the Early Morning ESP Program will open on-time for convenience of Parents-Guardians.

Director of Cannon County Schools William Freddy Curtis stated, “With temperatures dropping below freezing tonight and with much moisture on county roads, there is a strong probability of ‘black ice’ and hazardous driving conditions on Monday morning, January 10^th, 2022.  These two hours will allow our Bus Drivers to visually insure the road conditions after sunrise and warmer temperatures.  Schools which have the Early Morning ESP Program will open on-time for convenience of Parents-Guardians. The safety of our students and personnel is always our utmost priority.”

Cannon County prep basketball teams will be hosting Smith County tonight.  The contests were moved from Friday due to inclement weather.