Board reviews TSBA delegate actions, flags nursing funding and regulatory task force

Summary

A board member summarized items from the Tennessee School Boards Association: passed measures to add TISA funding for nurses, a task force to examine regulatory burdens on public schools, and proposals to expand state higher-education fee discounts to non-teaching staff; a resolution to maintain free public education was recorded as 'no action' by the assembly.

A board member summarized outcomes from the Tennessee School Boards Association delegate assembly and highlighted items the district may wish to raise with state legislators.

The presenter said a passed item would add additional TISA funds to support school nurses and that a task force was authorized to review state regulations and recommend ways to reduce regulatory burdens on public schools. The presenter also noted proposals discussed at the assembly, including extending the state's higher-education fee discount to all full-time school employees and discussions about pathways to recruit teachers through shorter associate-degree routes.

The presenter flagged a district resolution to maintain free public education (documented as item 14 in the assembly materials). That resolution generated extensive discussion; the assembly recorded a motion of 'no action' rather than a vote for or against. Board members discussed arranging meetings with state legislators (the presenter suggested dates in early January) to raise priorities from TSBA and the board’s own agenda.

Board members thanked staff for preparing the report and emphasized outreach to legislators before the next session.