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#44 Tennessee Election Night: November 3, 2026 General Election
Live results from every race across all 95 counties as Tennessee posts them on election night.
The Signal#43 Austin Peay Launches New Center to Strengthen Student Literacy
The university's new literacy center aims to improve reading outcomes for K-12 students across Tennessee.
The Signal#42 Finding and Funding School Buildings Remains Biggest Barrier to Expanding Student Options
Two state-approved schools postponed openings after failing to secure facilities, highlighting a persistent challenge for new schools.
The Signal#41 Study Ranks Tennessee Second in Nation for Return on Investment in Education
Tennessee ranks seventh overall in education freedom, earning top marks for spending efficiency and academic transparency.
The Signal#40 Nashville School of Excellence Faces Tough Questions on Track Record Before State Commission
Community leaders voiced support while officials questioned the network's Memphis performance data.
The Signal#39 Dr. Claire Reeves Unanimously Selected as New Williamson School Board Chair
Dr. Reeves previously served as the vice chair of the Williamson County Board of Education.
The Signal#38 Knox County Schools Unveils Five-Year Plan for Special Education
District leaders say students with disabilities should grow academically at the same rate as their peers.
The Signal#37 This Nonprofit is Giving Appalachian Students a New Chance at Education
A West Tennessee nonprofit connects disadvantaged students with education and career opportunities in Appalachia.
The Signal#36 New report finds virtual schools underperform traditional public schools
Virtual students are showing less academic growth than their peers in traditional public schools, according to a new report.
The Signal#35 Businesses May be Placing a Higher Value on AI Than Schools
Schools risk falling behind as businesses invest heavily in AI tools that could transform education.
The Signal#34 Sen. Blackburn discusses AI in the classroom
Senator and gubernatorial candidate discusses her approach to artificial intelligence in Tennessee schools.
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.