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Rutherford County Schools: $4,017,240 in TISA on‑behalf payments recognized; enrollment rise and rezoning plans outlined
Summary
Deputy Superintendent Kay Martin presented a budget‑neutral amendment recognizing $4,017,240 in TISA "on‑behalf" payments; she also reported enrollment rising to about 51,790 and previewed middle‑school rezoning tied to Poplar Hill Middle School’s August 2026 opening and a Dec. 16 joint presentation.
The Health & Education Committee on Nov. 18 approved a school budget amendment to recognize $4,017,240 in Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) "on‑behalf" payments that the state makes for items such as charter school state portions, education savings accounts and juvenile detention center services. The committee approved the budget‑neutral amendment by roll call.
Kay Martin, Deputy Superintendent for Rutherford County Schools, presented the amendment and said, “This is a budget neutral amendment and does not provide any net gain or loss to the general purpose school fund.” She explained the state requires local education agencies to report TISA payments and that the Department of Education will provide final amounts at year end.
Martin also reported a modest enrollment increase since October: “In October we had around 51,725 students. As of today... we had enrolled in Rutherford County 51,790 students.” She told the committee a joint presentation with Budget & Finance and the school board is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the courthouse; consultant RSP (Rob) will present detailed findings and maps related to enrollment growth and rezoning options.
On rezoning, Martin said there will be no changes to high‑school boundary lines next year; each high school will retain 10 choice seats and dual zones. Elementary adjustments are likely for four schools to redistribute students — Stewarts Creek Elementary remains at or over capacity while Browns Chapel has room. Middle‑school zones will change with the planned opening of Poplar Hill Middle School in August 2026; Martin said new zone lines could move some students between schools.
Committee members asked about the district’s substitute‑meal policy for students who exceed meal charge limits. Martin said those students are currently offered “a sandwich, fruit and vegetable” in place of the standard lunch until meal debt is resolved; commissioners requested a cost analysis comparing substitute and standard lunches.
What’s next: The committee approved the amendment and will receive the school board’s fuller rezoning materials and maps at the Dec. 16 joint meeting; the district will return cost information on the substitute meal option upon request.
