How does Tennessee fund schools?

Tennessee funds schools primarily through a combination of state and local revenue sources, with the primary mechanism being the Basic Education Program (BEP). The BEP formula determines the amount of state funding allocated to each school district based on factors such as student enrollment, special education needs, and local tax effort. Local funding comes from property taxes and other local sources, which can vary significantly between districts. Additionally, federal funding supplements state and local contributions, especially for specific programs and populations.