![]() Sexton has identified federally required tests as his main complaint about accepting federal education dollars, but he hasn’t listed others.Ĭritics suspect that his bigger objections are related to current “culture war” issues about curriculum and whether transgender students should be allowed to use school bathrooms or play sports consistent with their gender identity, which may not correspond with the sex that’s listed on their birth certificates. “No matter how many studies they do, there will never be a scenario where it’s a good idea to reject billions worth of federal funding for our students and teachers.” “This funding lifts up underserved students and rural schools and ensures every kid gets warm meals during the school year,” Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, of Memphis, said in a statement. Department of Agriculture to provide free meals to qualifying students. There’s also a variety of federal school grants that go through the U.S. Department of Education that target certain needs ranging from rural education and English language learners to technology and charter schools. And there are other programs and grants funded through the U.S. The lion’s share of federal education funding goes to schools that serve disadvantaged students. Tennessee Democrats oppose the change, and many Republican lawmakers have questions about what a funding pivot would mean for Tennessee students. And Tennessee’s governor and the Senate speaker are open to exploring the possibility, according to their spokespeople. dollars typically make up about a tenth of a state’s budget for K-12 education.īut leaders in Republican-leaning states such as Oklahoma and South Carolina have talked about the idea. ![]() No state has ever rejected federal funding for its students and schools, because states generally need the money. Sexton also is asking the panel to identify processes for rejecting federal funding, as well as for eliminating restrictions tied to receipt of U.S. The legislation says, “the task force shall develop a strategic action plan to guide the administration and general assembly on whether it is feasible for this state and the political subdivisions of this state to reject federal funding for educational programs or purposes.” Related: Tennessee is talking about rejecting federal education funding. He told Chalkbeat that Tennessee would still provide programs that the federal government supports, but that he believes the state could do it better. The proposal provides the first details of how Sexton would pursue the idea he floated last month at a Tennessee Farm Bureau reception in Nashville.ĭeclaring his desire to “do things the Tennessee way,” Sexton said the state should stop accepting nearly $1.8 billion in federal education dollars - most of which supports low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities - and make up the difference with the state’s own funding. The task force also would include six legislators, two school superintendents, and two teachers - all appointed by Sexton and Lt. House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, in the House chambers on March 6.
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