Haslam to continue school funding discussion despite lawsuit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam says he’s not going to let a lawsuit several East Tennessee school systems filed against the state over funding derail the administration’s efforts to address grievances about the state’s school funding formula.
Hamilton County and six Chattanooga-area school systems filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, a day after the superintendent of Hamilton County Schools and superintendents representing Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville met with the governor to discuss their concerns.
The state’s four largest cities have argued that the funding formula, known as the Basic Education Program, is not adequately funded, and they threatened to sue.
After meeting with the governor, the superintendents told reporters they’d like to see plans the governor discussed play out before pursuing litigation. However, Hamilton County filed suit the next day.
Haslam told reporters Thursday that he plans “to keep conversations going” despite the lawsuit.
