Board approves resolution asking state to restore full LEA high-performance funding; staff review preliminary TISA estimates
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Summary
The board passed a resolution urging the Tennessee Department of Education to fully fund high-performing LEA bonuses after a change in the state's accountability model reduced Rutherford County’s allocation; staff also reviewed preliminary TISA/TNNG funding estimates and outlined a likely 2% COLA scenario and budget pressures from enrollment declines and rising insurance costs.
The Rutherford County School Board unanimously approved a resolution asking state officials to restore full funding for high-performing local education agency bonuses after the Tennessee Department of Education applied an additional 'effect size' measure that prorated expected monies.
Dr. Sullivan explained that Rutherford County was one of two districts that historically qualified for the full $4 million high-performance allocation (the other being Williamson County). Because the state added an "effect size" measure to the accountability protocol, that funding was prorated for the district this year; Dr. Sullivan said the change accounted for roughly $1.4 million shifting in timing or amount. "When you hit finances, then it's a little different," Dr. Sullivan said, and he described ongoing conversations with state staff and members of the state board of education.
Board members discussed the policy change and thanked state legislators and staff who had assisted with outreach. Mr. Tidwell and others noted the change may have been made administratively and urged continued advocacy. The board approved the resolution by voice vote, and Dr. Sullivan said staff would continue to press state officials and coordinate messaging.
Financial update: staff also presented preliminary TISA/TNNG estimates. The district’s base funding per pupil shifted (staff cited a new base funding figure of about 75.30), and overall preliminary estimates reflected a net loss of approximately 300 students across district and charter counts. Staff reported Career and Technical Education (CTE) generated roughly $19.9 million this year and noted that each 1% pay increase would cost the district about $4 million. Given projected revenues and rising health insurance costs, staff indicated the board was leaning toward a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for staff for planning purposes.
What the board decided: the resolution was approved and staff will continue advocacy with the Tennessee Department of Education. Budget previews were informational; staff will present more detailed budget scenarios at upcoming meetings.
Clarifying details: staff cited the Tennessee statutory reference for charter reporting (TCA 49-13-120) during the meeting and repeatedly discussed the state's accountability protocol change described as an "effect size" measure.