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SJR 1080

Memorials, Recognition - PENCIL -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Charlane Oliver

The resolution publicly honors PENCIL for four decades of partnership with MNPS, detailing its programs and impact while designating March 30, 2026 as National Pencil Day in Tennes

SJR placed on H. consent cal. for 4/20/2026
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 1080

Summary of SJR 1080 (Session 114, Tennessee) — Memorials, Recognition - PENCIL

Purpose and Intent

  • SJR 1080 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership (PENCIL), a Nashville-based nonprofit organization.
  • The resolution explicitly honors PENCIL for its long-standing efforts to connect Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) with community resources to support students and educators.
  • It designates March 30, 2026 (National Pencil Day) as a day to honor PENCIL and its staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters for their contributions to the Nashville community.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • The resolution acknowledges PENCIL’s:
    • 44 years of collaboration with private industry, city officials, and nonprofits to support MNPS.
    • Role in serving more than 79,000 students across 159 MNPS schools.
    • Network of partners: more than 600 local organizations actively partnering with MNPS schools.
    • Programs and services developed with MNPS leadership to address resource gaps and needs (e.g., tutoring, educator resources, STEAM support).
  • Highlights of PENCIL programs included in the resolution:
    • DG PENCIL Box: Free educator resource center with classroom supplies (e.g., backpacks, pencils, crayons, paper).
    • STEAM Lending Library: Provides hands-on resources to support computer science and other STEAM initiatives.
    • Accelerating Scholars: High-impact, low-ratio tutoring for MNPS students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
  • Donor and investment context:
    • Noted a January 2025 anonymous donation of more than 2 million pencils.
    • Reported community investments in MNPS from 2024-2025 totaling more than $5.93 million, including nearly $3 million in free resources, 33,000+ volunteer hours, and over $1 million in grants.
  • Leadership and stewardship:
    • Acknowledges PENCIL’s leadership under President and CEO Christiane Buggs.
    • Emphasizes ongoing role in recruiting business partners and serving as a teacher resource center to promote equitable access to resources.

Who/What is Affected

  • While primarily ceremonial, the resolution highlights:
    • PENCIL staff, volunteers, donors, and partner organizations.
    • MNPS students and educators who benefit from PENCIL’s programs and partnerships.
    • The Nashville community, recognizing the broader impact of community-school collaboration.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Introduced and referred to the Senate; subsequently passed on first and second readings.
    • Adopted by the Senate with a vote of 32 ayes and 0 nays.
    • Placed on the House consent calendar and transmitted for concurrence (as a joint resolution).
  • Specific date in the resolution:
    • March 30, 2026, designated as National Pencil Day for ceremonial recognition.
  • Final form:
    • If enacted, an official copy of the resolution will be prepared for presentation.

Bottom Line

SJR 1080 is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution that publicly honors PENCIL for four decades of partnership with MNPS, outlines its key programs and impacts, notes substantial private contributions and volunteer efforts, and establishes March 30, 2026 as National Pencil Day in Tennessee. It serves to acknowledge and celebrate the organization’s role in advancing educational opportunity and resource equity within Nashville.

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

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