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SJR 495

Memorials, Professional Achievement - Jessica Brooke Lipshie, Castle Heights Elementary School Teacher of the Year -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

Publicly honors Jessica Lipshie as Castle Heights Elementary Teacher of the Year (2024-25) with symbolic recognition; no policy changes or funding.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #professionalachievement
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Bill Summary · SJR 495

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 495 (SJR 495)

Overview

SJR 495 is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution honoring Jessica Brooke Lipshie for being named the 2024–2025 Castle Heights Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The measure is a memorial-style recognition that acknowledges Lipshie’s dedication, professional achievement, and impact on Tennessee students. The resolution confirms that it is a joint resolution (passed by both chambers) and is largely ceremonial in nature, with no new regulatory or fiscal provisions.

Purpose and Intent

  • To formally honor and congratulate Jessica Lipshie for her selection as Castle Heights Elementary School Teacher of the Year for the 2024–2025 academic year.
  • To recognize Lipshie’s 14 years of teaching experience and her roles as a fourth-grade math and science teacher.
  • To commend her dedication to high-quality education, professional excellence, and service to students and colleagues in Tennessee.

Key Provisions

  • The core text acknowledges Lipshie as an outstanding educator and professional of dedication, ability, and integrity.
  • It notes her educational background (bachelor’s degree in education) and her role motivating students to reach their potential.
  • The resolution states the General Assembly’s intent to honor Lipshie, commend her service, salute her expertise and personal excellence, and wish her continued success.
  • Administrative detail: The resolution provides that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation. A clause about formatting ensures that certain language appears without House or Senate designation when copied.
  • Importantly, the measure does not enact policy changes or allocate funds; it is symbolic recognition.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Jessica Brooke Lipshie, Castle Heights Elementary School, and the broader Castle Heights Elementary School community.
  • Indirect: Tennessee students, educators, and the educational community who benefit from public recognition of teaching excellence.

Procedural History & Timeline

  • Introduced: April 21, 2025.
  • Senate actions: Placed on consent calendar (Apr 21); adopted on Apr 22 (Ayes 33–0); engrossed and transmitted to House (Apr 22); Senate leadership signed (Apr 24–25).
  • House actions: Concurred (Apr 22); transmitted to Governor (Apr 25); signed by Speaker (Apr 25).
  • Governor: Signed into law (or otherwise enacted) on May 5, 2025.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Pody.

Fiscal/Administrative Impact

  • No fiscal appropriation or regulatory change is associated with this resolution.
  • Administrative note: An official copy is to be prepared for presentation as part of the recognition.

Bottom Line

SJR 495 serves as a formal public acknowledgment by the Tennessee General Assembly of Jessica Lipshie’s exemplary teaching and service, aligning with the bill’s memorials and professional achievement designation. It commemorates her standing as the 2024–2025 Castle Heights Elementary School Teacher of the Year and publicly celebrates her contributions to Tennessee’s education community.

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

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