The Signal
The week ahead in Tennessee education and government. Capitol news, school-board votes, charter applications, and what we are tracking next.
2026
The Signal#33 Rejected by the school board, a charter school opens anyway
After years of pushback from the school board, Jackson Museum Academy welcomed its first students this fall.
The Signal#32 Commentary: Brent Jones Wants Your Vote. He Will Not Tell You What He Supports
Three groups asked the House District 18 challenger about his positions. He didn't respond to any of them.
The Signal#31 Todd Warner Facing Opposition After Voting Against Key Trump Policy
Warner's vote against private school choice and dual-office campaign draw fire from primary challenger Vincent Cuevas.
The Signal#30 Chatt Prep expansion denied despite test score gains
The Hamilton County Board of Education fell one vote short of approving the charter school's growth plan.
The Signal#28 Report Finds the Literacy Success Act Is Delivering Results
Third through fifth grade reading proficiency has climbed since Tennessee launched its literacy overhaul in 2021.
The Signal#27 Former Senator Lamar Alexander Says Tennessee Needs More Political Competition
Alexander told Nashville leaders that Tennessee made its greatest progress when both parties were competitive.
The Signal#26 Hamilton County School Board to vote on reducing testing
District leaders propose cutting local benchmark tests from three to two per year in Hamilton County schools.
The Signal#25 Self-Described 'Trump Candidate' Sides with Unions over Trump on Education
A Trump appointee at the USDA is breaking with the administration over federal education policy.
The Signal#24 University president weighs in on outcomes-based funding proposal
State funding formula ties university budgets to graduation rates and job placements rather than how many students enroll.
The Signal#23 Congressman Andy Ogles Uses Your Tax Dollars for TV Ad
Tennessee Republican runs campaign-style spot on government dime while criticizing wasteful spending.
The Signal#22 Hamilton County teachers appear set for pay increase
Hamilton County school board approves budget with employee raises and major funding increases for athletics and arts programs.
The Signal#21 Suburban school districts fought efforts to reduce barriers for open enrollment
At least one district lobbied against legislation that would have made it easier for students to transfer across district lines.
The Signal#20 Suburban school districts fought efforts to reduce barriers for open enrollment
At least one district lobbied against legislation that would have made it easier for students to transfer across district lines.
The Signal#6 Suburban schools fought open enrollment push
Firefly investigation reveals districts lobbied against letting nonresident students enroll more easily.
The Signal#5 Suburban districts fight state's open enrollment push
At least one district lobbied lawmakers against reducing barriers for nonresident students, investigation finds.