Advocating for School Funding: How Tennesseans Can Make Their Voice Heard

By Sky Arnold | Published on June 16, 2025

Understanding how school funding works is the first step; turning that knowledge into action is the next. The decisions that shape your local school district's budget are not made in a vacuum—they are influenced by public input, community priorities, and the voices of engaged citizens like you. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a taxpayer, or a community member, you have a role to play in advocating for strong public schools. This guide offers actionable steps you can take to make your voice heard on education funding in Tennessee.

For a comprehensive overview of how school funding works statewide, visit our main guide: Understanding Tennessee School Funding.

Step 1: Get Informed and Stay Informed

Effective advocacy begins with a solid foundation of knowledge. Before you can make a compelling case, you need to understand the issues.

• Follow Reputable News Sources: Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in education policy by following local and state news sources like The Tennessee Firefly and others that cover the Tennessee legislature and education issues.
• Find Your District's Budget: As we covered in our guide to understanding your local budget, the first step is to find the document itself. Check your school district's website for a "Finance" or "Budget" section.
• Use State Resources: The Tennessee State Report Card is an excellent tool for finding district-level data on per-pupil spending and other key metrics that can inform your advocacy.

Step 2: Engage at the Local Level

Your voice can have the most direct impact at the local level, where budget proposals are developed and approved.

• Attend School Board Meetings: Your locally elected school board is responsible for drafting the district's budget proposal. These meetings are public and are the best place to hear firsthand the discussions and rationale behind spending decisions. Meeting schedules are almost always posted on the district's website. The Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) is a good resource for understanding the role of school boards.
• Speak at Public Hearings: Most districts hold specific public hearings on the budget. This is your formal opportunity to stand up and speak directly to the board about your priorities and concerns. Prepare your remarks ahead of time to be clear and concise.
• Contact Your School Board Members: Don't wait for a public hearing. School board members are your elected representatives. Send them a respectful email or call their office. A personal story about how a budget issue affects your child or school can be incredibly powerful.
• Engage with Your County Commission (or City Council): In Tennessee, the local legislative body (like the County Commission) has the final authority to approve the total amount of the school district's budget. While they cannot change individual line items, they control the size of the pie. Their meetings are also public and are a crucial part of the process. You can typically find your county's website through the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS).

Step 3: Engage at the State Level

While local engagement is key, the state legislature controls the overall funding formula and the total state investment in education.

• Know and Contact Your State Legislators: Every Tennessean is represented by a State Representative and a State Senator. They vote on the state budget, which determines the funding for TISA. Use the "Find My Legislator" tool on the General Assembly's website to find out who your legislators are and contact them. Let them know that education funding is a top priority for you as a constituent.
• Track Legislation: You can follow education-related bills and budget discussions through the Tennessee General Assembly website. This allows you to know when key decisions are being made.

Step 4: Amplify Your Voice by Working with Others

An individual voice is powerful, but collective voices are even stronger.

• Join Your School's PTA/PTO: Parent-Teacher Associations or Organizations are a fantastic way to connect with other parents and work together on school-level advocacy. You can find resources at the National PTA website.
• Support Education Advocacy Groups: There are many non-profit and grassroots organizations in Tennessee dedicated to advocating for public education. Supporting groups like Tennesseans for Student Success can amplify your concerns and connect you with a larger community of advocates.

Tips for Effective Advocacy

• Be Specific: Instead of a general plea for "more funding," advocate for specific needs. For example: "I am concerned that our current budget doesn't include enough funding for school counselors, which are vital for student mental health," or "I urge you to support a budget that allows our district to offer competitive salaries to retain our excellent teachers."
• Combine Data with Personal Stories: Use facts to support your position. You might say, "Our district's per-pupil spending is lower than the state average, and I see the impact of that in my child's crowded classroom." A personal story makes the data real and relatable.
• Be Respectful and Build Relationships: Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. Building respectful, long-term relationships with school board members and legislators is more effective than a single, angry confrontation. Acknowledge the difficult decisions they have to make, and position yourself as a helpful, informed resource from the community.

Conclusion: Your Engagement is Essential

A well-funded public education system is the bedrock of a strong community and a thriving state. The budget process is designed to be public for a reason—your voice is a crucial check and balance. By staying informed, showing up, and speaking out, you can play a vital role in ensuring that every student in Tennessee has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

To return to our main guide on school funding, please visit: Understanding Tennessee School Funding.