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SJR 500

Memorials, Professional Achievement - Melissa Cole, Lakeview Elementary School Teacher of the Year -

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

The bill ceremonially honors Melissa Cole as Lakeview Elementary’s 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year with commendation and best wishes, no policy changes.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #professionalachievement
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Bill Summary · SJR 500

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 500 (SJR 500)

Overview

SJR 500 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing and honoring Melissa Cole, a Lakeview Elementary School teacher, for being named the 2024–2025 Lakeview Elementary School Teacher of the Year. The resolution is a memorial-type expression of appreciation by the Tennessee General Assembly and does not enact new law or create statutory requirements.

  • Bill: Senate Joint Resolution 500 (SJR 500)
  • Title: Memorials, Professional Achievement - Melissa Cole, Lakeview Elementary School Teacher of the Year
  • Status: Signed by the Governor
  • Introduced: April 21, 2025
  • Classification: Joint Resolution
  • Subject: Memorials, Professional Achievement

Purpose and Intent

  • Publicly recognize Melissa Cole, a third-grade math and science teacher at Lakeview Elementary School, for her selection as the school's 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year.
  • Acknowledge her fourteen-year career in education, dedication, professional expertise, and positive influence on students.
  • Commend her service to Tennessee’s children and convey best wishes for her future endeavors.

Key Provisions and Provisions Language

  • The resolution states that the General Assembly “honor and congratulate” Melissa Cole for the achievement and commend her exceptional service and personal excellence.
  • It notes her role as a dedicated educator, her educational background (Bachelor of Science in Education), and her impact as an inspiration to faculty, staff, and students.
  • It directs that an appropriate copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation, with a housekeeping clause about the final language copy not bearing House or Senate designations.
  • The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not impose mandates, funding, or statutory changes.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primary focus: Melissa Cole and Lakeview Elementary School.
  • Broader impact: Tennessee educators and public education community, as a formal acknowledgment of excellence in the teaching profession.
  • No fiscal implications or policy reforms are embedded in the text of the resolution.

Legislative Timeline and Status

  • 2025-04-21: Filed for introduction; placed on Senate Consent Calendar for 4/22/2025.
  • 2025-04-22: Adopted in the Senate (Ayes 33, Nays 0) and engrossed; concurred with the House.
  • 2025-04-25 to 2025-04-28: Enrolled and transmitted; Senate and House leadership signatures obtained.
  • 2025-04-28: Signed by the Speaker of the House.
  • 2025-04-29: Transmitted to the Governor for action.
  • 2025-05-07: Signed by the Governor.
  • Status Confirmation: Signed into law by the Governor; the text indicates it is a commemorative resolution rather than substantive legislation.

Bottom Line

SJR 500 serves as an official, ceremonial tribute from the Tennessee General Assembly recognizing Melissa Cole’s achievement as Lakeview Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2024–2025 and expressing commendation and best wishes. It carries no regulatory or fiscal changes and is primarily a formal recognition of excellence in teaching.

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

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