#PublicSchoolStrongTN
Organizing for HONEST, EQUITABLE, FULLY-FUNDED, SAFE Public Schools in Tennessee
Join the growing movement of parents, educators, and community members across the state who are taking the pledge to work in their local school districts to fight for fully-funded, equitable, honest, and safe public schools in Tennessee!
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Despite the increasing attacks on public education by politicians and corporate actors with deep pockets, everyday Tennesseans know that strong public schools a cornerstone of multiracial democracy and strong communities. By organizing in our neighborhoods, our school districts, and at our local school board meetings, we can create positive, common sense solutions to address the real issues our schools are facing.
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Through our #PublicSchoolStrongTN campaign parents and educators are learning how to attend their school board meetings, develop relationships with local elected leaders, host community listening sessions, and champion a vision for safe, equitable, honest and fully funded public schools.
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* Click here for more information on the Education For All campaign, which aims to protect public education for all students, regardless of documentation status.
Kids Not Corporations 2026 Issues Platform
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Fully Funded Public Schools
Public schools serve the common good and are a cornerstone of strong, healthy communities. Tennessee's Prek-12 public schools must be fully funded, and we must oppose efforts that divert funding away from public schools. Our students deserve updated and maintained facilities, fully-staffed schools, diverse programming, and the supplies they need to learn. Diverting billions of dollars into tax cuts for corporations, private school voucher schemes, or other divestments makes this
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Inclusive Public Schools
Every child in Tennessee deserves a high quality public education - regardless of race, class, disability, documentation status, or background. Equitable, inclusive public schools allow us to build brighter futures together. We should celebrate our students' diversity, honor their histories and cultural impact, and give them the full services they need to thrive in and beyond the classroom.
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Local Control of Our Schools
In order to best meet the needs of our students, it's important that we support collaborative governance and oppose any efforts that transfer local decision-making to the state. Locally elected school boards are best positioned to understand and meet the needs of their unique communities. Public schools can fully serve our students when local governments work in meaningtul collaboration with parents, educators, students, and other stakeholders.
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Dignity in the Workplace for All School Staff
Attracting the caring, effective teachers and staff that our students need requires that school workers receive the living wages and professional respect they deserve. The work conditions of our teachers and school staff impact the learning conditions of our students. All staff deserve a living wage and healthy work environments so that they can do what they do best: teach and care for our students.
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Student-Centered Assessment
Accountability systems should be equitable, appropriate, and centered on growth. Punishments attached to high-stakes testing don't help our students, teachers, or districts excel. Our kids are more than a test. The goal of our schools is to teach students the skills they need to thrive in their communities. Over reliance on high-stakes standardized testing harms our students and schools by preventing us from adequately meeting the diverse needs or honoring the strengths of the whole child.
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HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
STEP 1: School Board 101 Orientation
Attend one of our monthly School Board 101 orientation calls to learn what to expect at a school board meeting, why it’s important to have a consistent presence, how to invite their friends, and how to log notes from what they hear. Sign the online PSSTN commitment form afterwards to receive a PSSTN t-shirt!
STEP 2: Attend Local School Board Meetings
Attend your local school board meetings with others in your community, wearing your PSSSTN t-shirts. Learn what issues are coming up, where your school board members stand, and what issues you and your neighbors can push for.
STEP 3: Stay Involved
Keep talking with neighbors in your school district, advocate for the funding priorities your community has determined, learn from (and with) other PSSTN folks across the state through regular debrief calls, and attend monthly skill-building workshops to strengthen your organizing efforts!
