“The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce commends the Governor’s move last week to review and reform the Basic Education Program (BEP) funding formula for Tennessee’s K-12 public schools. As many community partners have expressed, the timing is right for this conversation. For three decades, the formula has remained essentially the same; yet the landscape of local school districts has changed, with many serving a higher number of at-risk and special student populations. Individual student needs must be at the forefront of the new funding formula to ensure all children have the resources required to succeed. We acknowledge that the task before the Governor is not easy and requires a thoughtful approach. The business community welcomes the opportunity to engage in the conversation and support listening sessions, and we recognize the importance of getting this formula right. The Basic Education Program is not “basic” in structure and must encapsulate all aspects of a student’s journey toward prospering in a diverse and growing economy.”
– Ralph Schulz, President and CEO, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
