WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 637

Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) - As introduced, creates a 3 percent weighted allocation for a student who resides in a school district with a membership between 1,001 and 1,250, both inclusive. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Page Walley

SB 637 adds a 3% funding bonus for Tennessee school districts with 1,001-1,250 students under the state's education finance formula.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
#tennesseeinvestmentinstudentachievement(tisa)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 637

Legislative bill overview

SB 637 modifies Tennessee's school funding formula by creating a 3 percent weighted allocation bonus for students in mid-sized school districts with enrollments between 1,001 and 1,250 students. This adjustment is part of the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) funding mechanism under state education law.

Why is this important

School funding formulas directly impact educational resources, teacher salaries, and program availability. This targeted allocation aims to provide financial relief to a specific category of districts that may face unique operational challenges—too large to qualify for small district funding assistance but potentially too small to achieve economies of scale that larger districts enjoy.

Potential points of contention

  • Fairness questions: Why these specific district sizes receive preferential treatment while other enrollment ranges do not, and whether this creates inequitable outcomes for districts just outside this range
  • Limited scope: The 3 percent allocation may be insufficient to meaningfully address underlying fiscal disparities, or conversely, may represent unnecessary funding increases if districts are already adequately resourced
  • Formula complexity: Adding weighted allocations increases the complexity of an already intricate funding system, making it harder for stakeholders to understand how education dollars are distributed

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

Sign in to ask a question.