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SJR 489

Memorials, Professional Achievement - Sarah Savannah Howard, Winfree Bryant Middle School Teacher of the Year -

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

Ceremonial memorial recognizing Sarah Savannah Howard as 2024-25 Winfree Bryant Middle School Teacher of the Year; honors her impact with no new laws or funds.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #professionalachievement
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Bill Summary · SJR 489

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 489 (SJR 489)

What the bill is

SJR 489 is a memorial joint resolution recognizing and honoring Sarah Savannah Howard for being named the 2024–2025 Winfree Bryant Middle School Teacher of the Year. The measure is ceremonial in nature and does not create new laws or allocate funds. It serves as formal commendation from the Tennessee General Assembly.

Purpose and intent

  • Acknowledges Sarah Savannah Howard’s dedication and impact as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Winfree Bryant Middle School.
  • Recognizes her professional qualifications (six years of classroom experience; degrees in English and secondary education; a master’s in education leadership; ESL endorsement).
  • Commends her influence on students, colleagues, and the broader educational community in Tennessee.
  • Provides for the presentation of an official copy of the resolution.

Key provisions

  • Formal statements of recognition included in the text, highlighting Ms. Howard’s commitment to high-quality education and public service.
  • The resolution states that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.
  • The language following the State seal is designed to appear without House or Senate designation on the presented copy.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Sarah Savannah Howard (Winfree Bryant Middle School) as the individual honored.
  • Secondary: Winfree Bryant Middle School, the local school district, and the broader Tennessee education community, which may reference the recognition for public relations or inspirational purposes.
  • No changes to statutes, no fiscal impact, and no regulatory changes are associated with this memorial.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: April 21, 2025, by Senator Pody (primary sponsor).
  • House/Senate actions:
    • April 22, 2025 – Passed Senate and was placed on the House consent calendar; engrossed and adopted in the Senate; Senate concurred on House actions.
    • April 24–25, 2025 – Enrolled and transmitted to Governor.
    • April 25, 2025 – Transmitted to Governor for action (per status line).
    • April 24–25, 2025 – Officially signed by House Speaker and Senate Speaker as part of the final consolidated process.
  • Gov. action: Signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025.
  • Final status: Signed into law (ceremonial memorial resolution).

Sponsor

  • Senator Pody (primary sponsor)

Remarks on impact

  • This is a ceremonial recognition that highlights excellence in teaching and may serve as a public acknowledgment of the contributions of a Tennessee educator.
  • No policy changes, programmatic authorizations, or funding are associated with this joint resolution.

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

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