Tennessee Education Department outlines $27M funding for summer learning camps and outcomes bonuses

Tennessee's House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss critical funding allocations for educational programs, particularly focusing on summer learning camps and performance incentives for local education agencies (LEAs).

A significant highlight from the meeting was the announcement that the remaining balance of $37 million from the $102 million allocated for the Fiscal Stabilization and Growth (FSAG) funding will be directed towards summer learning camps. This initiative aims to support approximately 90,000 students who have participated in these camps since their inception in 2021. The funds are expected to be fully utilized by the end of summer 2025, with reimbursements submitted by December of the same year. Notably, attendance at these camps has increased by 15% compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in student engagement and learning recovery post-pandemic.

The committee also addressed the ongoing appeal regarding the use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding for summer camps, which remains unresolved. In anticipation of this, the proposed budget includes an additional $27.5 million to ensure continued support for summer programs and transportation, which is crucial for maintaining high enrollment and attendance rates, especially in rural areas.

Furthermore, the meeting covered the distribution of $17 million in performance incentives for high-performing LEAs, defined as those with over 50% of schools receiving an 'A' grade. The bonuses will be allocated based on the number of graded schools within each district, with larger districts receiving proportionately higher bonuses. However, concerns were raised about the distribution of these funds, as local directors have discretion over how bonuses are allocated, potentially diluting rewards for individual teachers based on school performance.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of targeted funding in enhancing educational outcomes and addressing learning loss, while also highlighting the need for accountability in how performance incentives are distributed among educators. As Tennessee moves forward, the implications of these funding decisions will be closely monitored, particularly their impact on student achievement and educational equity across the state.