Bill
HJR 503
The bill expresses formal appreciation for Hugh Harris’s 21 years as headmaster/president of Franklin Christian Academy and does not create new duties or funding.
A. Overview
- Bill: HJR 503, a joint resolution memorializing Hugh Harris on the occasion of his retirement from Franklin Christian Academy.
- Sponsor: Rep. Reeves
- Status: Signed by the Governor (career recognition resolution)
- Introduced: March 25, 2025
- Purpose: To publicly thank and commend Hugh Harris for twenty-one years of service as headmaster and president of Franklin Christian Academy and to recognize his contributions to education in Tennessee.
B. Purpose and Intent
- The resolution serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Tennessee General Assembly for Harris’s leadership, dedication, and impact on students, families, and the broader educational community.
- It commends his professional expertise, personal excellence, and service to Tennessee’s children as he retires from his role at Franklin Christian Academy.
C. Key Provisions
- Be It Resolved: The House and Senate concur in recognizing Hugh Harris for twenty-one years of service as headmaster and president of Franklin Christian Academy, and for his leadership within Tennessee education.
- Presentation Copy: The resolution directs that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation; it includes a clerical instruction to render the language appearing after the State seal on the copy without House or Senate designation when requested.
- Effect: As a memorial, the resolution expresses sentiment and recognition rather than creating new law or fiscal obligations.
D. Honoree Background (Highlights)
- Early life and education: Grew up in Waco, Texas, and Gainesville, Florida; Baylor University graduate (1978) with a degree in accounting.
- Career trajectory: Accountant in the insurance industry; founded his own firm (1985); involvement in inner-city ministry and related educational initiatives; moved to Nashville (1991) to join the Idea Agency; transitioned to education as a principal of a small Christian school in Franklin.
- Franklin Christian Academy: Co-founded the academy in 2004 with his wife Lisa; served as headmaster and president for 21 years.
- Additional leadership: Former president of the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference; board member of the National Christian Sports Conference; earned a Master of Education in Administration.
E. Legislative History and Timeline
- 3/25/2025: Filed for introduction
- 3/31/2025: Adopted in House, sponsor added (Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 2)
- 4/01–4/04/2025: Engrossed/ transmitted; placed on Senate consent calendar
- 4/07/2025: Concurred in Senate (Ayes 32, Nays 0)
- 4/09/2025: Enrolled; transmitted to Governor
- 4/14–4/15/2025: Sent to and signed by Governor (final action: signed 4/15/2025)
F. Impact and Scope
- Beneficiary: Hugh Harris and Franklin Christian Academy, along with students and staff who benefited from his leadership.
- Geographic and sector impact: Recognition within Tennessee’s education community; no new statutory requirements or funding obligations are created by this memorial.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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