Over the last several years, Republican lawmakers have invested $1.3 billion in new education dollars. As a result, our students are the fastest improving in the entire nation across math, reading, and science, and last year, we achieved the best high school graduation rates ever — 89.1 percent.
This year, House Leadership is partnering with Governor Lee to implement a comprehensive education plan that builds upon recent successes and continues to improve educational outcomes for Tennessee’s future leaders. During Fiscal Year 2019-2020, a total investment of $6.5 billion will benefit K-12 education in our public schools. This includes $71 million in pay raises. Approximately $46 million will be allocated to fully fund the state’s Basic Education Program (BEP), and another $40 million will help secure our schools by adding school resource officers and other safety measures.
As part of this comprehensive education plan, $4.8 billion dollars will benefit higher education in Tennessee. Through these investments, we will expand dual enrollment for career and technical programs through $4 million in the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (G.I.V.E.) Dual Enrollment Grants. Another $25 million will grow capacity for work-based learning through G.I.V.E. Community Grants, and a $4 million investment in the Future Workforce Initiative will create a workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of the 21st Century.
The plan increases Civics instruction opportunities to support the growth of high-quality civics programs, and, provides new opportunities for students who reside in areas with substantial numbers of low performing schools through a $25 million investment in Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Finally, the education plan establishes an independent charter school commission to support the continued success of our current public charter schools, while also creating additional opportunities for students to attend newly established public charter facilities.
Our community is experiencing success unlike anything we have ever seen before. However, it is up to us to continue these remarkable trends. This can only happen if we focus all of our efforts and energy on our students, teachers, and schools. When these important groups have access to the critical tools and resources they need to succeed, we all benefit. This comprehensive education plan is an important step that will guarantee Tennessee’s future success.
William Lamberth is the House Majority Leader for the 111th Tennessee General Assembly. He is also a member of the House Finance, House Government Operations, and House Calendar & Rules Committees, as well as the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Lamberth lives in Portland and represents Tennessee House District 44, which includes part of Sumner County.