Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –
The Tennessee Senate Education Committee considered a bill that would potentially allow school districts to increase maximum class sizes in Tennessee public schools. An amendment to the bill was passed, and the bill was referred to the Senate Calendar Committee.
Senate Bill 0197 (SB0197), sponsored by State Senator Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol-District 4), as originally introduced, would “repeal the maximum class sizes, maximum class size averages, and student-teacher ratios” previously mandated in state law.
Lundberg began by explaining the proposed amendment to the bill. The bill as amended would remove the requirement to maintain average class sizes but it would keep in place the maximum class size stipulation.
Local education agencies would have the option of requesting a waiver to exceed that classroom maximum, but Lundberg added that those would be approved by the state Department of Education in small numbers on a case-by-case basis.
After several senators asked for some basic clarification to both the amendment and the bill, the amendment was passed by a voice vote.
A roll call vote was taken for the bill itself, and it was passed with 7 ayes. Senator Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro-District 13) voted against the bill, and Senator Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis-District 29) was present but did not vote.
The legislation was then referred to the Senate Calendar Committee for scheduling to be heard on the Senate floor.
If the bill passes, it will go into effect for the upcoming school year.
The companion House Bill (HB0809) is set to be considered by the House K-12 Subcommittee on March 7.
If you would like to express your opinion about this bill, please contact members of the committee prior to that date using the information below:
Kirk Haston (Chair) (R) – rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0750
Gino Bulso (R) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6808
Chris Hurt (R) – rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2134
Sam McKenzie (D) – rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0768
Bryan Richey (R) – rep.bryan.richey@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3560
William Slater (R) – rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2534
Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens.@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830
Todd Warner (R) – rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4170
Mark White (R) – rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4415
About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career. Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others. He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History. Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com
