Dollars and Sense is a 7-part learning series designed to help Tennesseans understand how schools are funded in Tennessee, and what we can do to improve the adequacy and equity in our funding formula so that our schools and students have access to the resources that they need to succeed. We will feature expert speakers from Tennessee and across the country, and assign optional readings for each session.
Session 3 will provide attendees with a close examination of the Basic Education Program (BEP), including its history, structure, how it works in practice and its impact on key drivers like salaries and staffing, instructional programs and learning supports for students. We’ll discuss how the BEP funds and impacts rural and urban districts, and the challenges local counties face in funding the remainder of district needs.