NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee invited local law enforcement agencies and schools to apply for nearly $200 million in grant funding to further strengthen security at Tennessee schools.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – This week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited summer learning camps, which are underway in elementary schools across the state, and recognized the dedication of teachers to sharpen critical reading skills for Tennessee students. Summer learning camps, a key support offered through Tennessee’s new, comprehensive K-3 literacy strategy, are one of multiple pathways to strengthen student achievement and promotion to the fourth grade.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds as commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), effective July 1. Reynolds will succeed Dr. Penny Schwinn, who will step down at the end of the school year after more than four years of service to Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, one week after the tragic shooting at The Covenant School, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton and legislative leadership announced additional actions to strengthen safety at public and private schools across Tennessee. These measures include enhanced legislation and funding to place an armed security guard at every Tennessee public school, boost physical school security at public and private schools, and provide additional mental health resources for Tennesseans.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee launched the new School Safety Toolkit for Tennessee Families, a practical resource to help parents prepare and engage in their child’s school safety plan.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released a video update on key actions the Lee administration has taken to enhance school safety following Executive Order 97, which directed state agencies to engage parents, increase transparency and collaborate with local law enforcement and school districts.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security invited Tennesseans to get ready for the new school year by downloading the SafeTN app.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced more than 40 independent schools, pending approval, have committed to make seats available immediately for students enrolled in the Education Savings Account (ESA) program and invited Tennessee parents to begin the application process.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement in response to the court lifting the injunction on the Education Savings Account (ESA) program passed by the Lee Administration in 2019.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee will sign an executive order directing accountability measures for school safety and an evaluation of training for Tennessee law enforcement. The order also establishes additional resources to support parents, teachers and law enforcement in improving school security practices.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee released the following statement on the most substantive reform to education funding in more than 30 years, commending the passage of the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Act:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s new student-based funding formula, called the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement formula (TISA), is gaining widespread support from more than 100 local leaders and stakeholders across the state.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee invited Tennesseans to tune in for a live presentation of the new student-based funding formula, known as the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement formula (TISA), at 11 a.m. CT tomorrow, Thursday, February 24.

The Tennessee State Board of Education launched its second survey to collect public feedback on the state’s newly revised K-12 science academic standards earlier today. The K-12 science standards set grade-specific goals that establish what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of a given grade or course. During the two public review periods, the State Board invites Tennesseans to share their feedback on the state’s K-12 science standards through an online survey. Members of the public can review the recommended changes to all sections of Tennessee’s science standards. The survey includes options to indicate whether a standard should be kept, changed, removed, or moved to a different grade level, as well as space to indicate if a new standard should be added.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn invited Tennesseans to participate in the full review of the state’s education funding formula and explore possibilities for a more student-centered approach.