Memphis parent advocate Sara Carpenter, Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg, House Education Administration Chairman Mark White, and Memphis-Shelby County Teacher of the year Melissa Collins are among the 21 Tennesseans named to the new Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Steering Committee.
The Committee will advise the state on the implementation of the new TISA education formula that goes into effect next school year. This will include implementation resources, training needs and opportunities, public reporting about TISA and student achievement outcomes, as well as other related topics.
TISA was among the most important pieces of legislation that passed last year, modernizing the way public schools are funded to a student-based system that most states use.
“Tennessee is embarking upon an exciting new chapter with the implementation of the TISA funding formula to meet the needs of each Tennessee student,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Thank you to these dedicated and passionate individuals, who are willing to continue their service on behalf of our kids.”
Members of the Steering Committee represent districts and schools, parents, elected officials, and community partners, including:
- Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg
- House Education Administration Chairman Mark White
- House Education Instruction Chairlady Debra Moody
- Warren Wells, Member, State Board of Education
- Bo Griffin, Director of Schools, Millington Municipal Schools
- Cat Stephens, Director of Schools, Tullahoma City Schools
- Steve Barnett, Director of Schools, Johnson City Schools
- Justin Robertson, Director of Schools, Hamilton County Schools
- Sara Carpenter, Executive Director, The Memphis Lift
- Christy Carroll Highfill, Parent
- Jennings Wilson, Parent
- Jen Aprea, Parent, The ARC
- Melissa Collins, Teacher of the Year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools
- Kyle Loudermilk, Principal of the Year, Kingsport City Schools
- Guy Respess, Data Management Director, Knox County Schools
- Teresa Winter, CFO, Bartlett City Schools
- Nancy Dishner, Executive Director, Niswonger Foundation
- Teresa Sloyan, Executive Director, Hyde Family Foundation
- Victor Evans, Executive Director, Tennessee CAN
- Jack Powers, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd
- Gini Pupo Walker, Executive Director, EdTrust
