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SB 2674

Education - As introduced, enacts the "Public Education Investments Act"; increases, from $50,000 to $50,290, the minimum base salary in the state salary schedule for teachers; increases from 5 percent to 10 percent the weighted allocation for a student who is a member in a school that is eligible for Title I schoolwide designation in the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act; increases the amount of a Tennessee middle college scholarship by 3 percent each academic year for 10 academic years. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee bill raises minimum teacher pay $290, doubles Title I school funding weight to 10%, and increases middle college scholarships 3% annually for 10 years.

Action deferred in Senate Education Committee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2674

Legislative bill overview

SB 2674 makes three targeted investments in Tennessee's education system: raising the minimum teacher base salary by $290, doubling the weighted funding allocation for Title I schoolwide schools from 5% to 10%, and incrementally increasing middle college scholarships by 3% annually over a decade. The bill operates within the existing salary schedule and funding framework rather than creating new programs.

Why is this important

Teacher compensation directly affects recruitment and retention in a competitive labor market, while Title I weighting determines how state funding reaches the highest-need schools. Middle college programs—which allow high school students to earn college credit—represent a growing pathway to reducing college costs and time-to-degree. Together, these changes signal state investment priorities in teacher support, disadvantaged schools, and alternative educational pathways.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding source: The bill doesn't specify how the state will fund these increases; critics may question whether the $290 salary bump is meaningful enough to address teacher shortages, or whether funds are available without cuts elsewhere
  • Title I allocation fairness: Doubling the weighting for schoolwide-eligible schools may redirect resources from other student populations; debate may center on whether this represents smart targeting or an inequitable shift
  • Middle college trajectory: A 3% annual increase over 10 years assumes sustained budget commitment; opponents may argue this creates long-term obligations during fiscal uncertainty, while supporters may view it as insufficient investment in workforce development

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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