This week, Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD) leaders, along with counterparts from Lakeland, welcomed special guests from the governor's office, including Rep. Mark White and John DeBerry, for a tour of the district’s special education preschool program. The visit provided an opportunity for district leaders to showcase the program and highlight critical issues impacting GMSD.
During the tour, GMSD School Board Member Brian Curry and Superintendent Jason Manuel brought attention to a significant funding gap affecting preschool students with disabilities. When Tennessee's new student funding formula was released last year, it unfortunately excluded funding for these vulnerable students.
"We are committed to advocating for our preschool students with disabilities," said Superintendent Manuel. "It’s crucial that they receive the necessary support and resources for their education." GMSD is working closely with representatives from the House Education Committee and Governor Bill Lee’s office to address this oversight and ensure that all students receive equitable funding.
The district remains proud to be a strong voice for its students and will continue to work with state leaders to secure the support these students deserve.