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Seeks input from citizens

NASHVILLE — State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) has been appointed to a Tennessee Department of Education Subcommittee studying how to improve the state’s formula to fund K-12 education in Tennessee. Crowe will serve on the Principal Advisory Subcommittee.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the subcommittee and look forward to working with my colleagues to improve education funding for our schools,” said Sen. Crowe.

The appointment follows Governor Lee’s announcement last month calling for a rigorous review of the current Basic Education Program (BEP) funding formula. It was adopted almost 30 years ago and has been called the most complex school funding formula in the nation. The governor wants to implement a more student-centered approach. He also called for public input in the reformulation efforts. Crowe said he is gathering input as his subcommittee meets and invites interested citizens to share their thoughts regarding improvements.

“We want to hear from parents, teachers, community leaders and other interested citizens about how the system can be improved,” added Crowe, who is a long-standing member of the Senate Education Committee. “We welcome all comments and invite local citizens to join the conversation about how we can improve education funding to better serve students.”

Crowe said the committee will meet throughout the rest of the year and in January. He expects recommendations to be presented to the General Assembly in the 2022 legislative session.