Nashville — The Tennessee Department of Education launched the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Steering Committee to advise the implementation of the new, student-based K-12 education funding formula, which goes into effect the 2023-24 school year.

And State Board of Education member and The Celebration’s CEO Warren Wells has been selected to serve on the committee.

“Education policy has been a passion of mine since I was in college, and it is actually what lead me to start my career in state government many years ago,” said Wells. “I’m honored that the Lee administration appointed me to the State School Board of Education last year, and asked me to serve on the Governor’s Rural Education Foundation, and I’m grateful that Commissioner Schwinn asked me to be on the TISA Steering Committee.”

Commissioner Penny Schwinn, who will be stepping down from the role on June 1, said in a recent press release, "Tennessee is embarking upon an exciting new chapter with the implementation of the TISA funding formula to meet the needs of each Tennessee student…Thank you to these dedicated and passionate individuals, who are willing to continue their service on behalf of our kids.”

With the passage of the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act, Tennessee made history by updating the way they fund K-12 education for the first time in 30 years. The TISA school funding formula will double down on each student to read proficiently by third grade, prepare each high school graduate for postsecondary success, and provide resources needed to all students to ensure they succeed.

To ensure there continues to be direct public engagement related to TISA, the purpose of the Steering Committee is to discuss TISA implementation resources, training needs and opportunities, public reporting about TISA and student achievement outcomes, as well as other related topics.

Wells added, “Tennessee has put education at the top of its priorities for years, and it is especially evident with the passage of TISA. I’m excited to continue to be a part of Tennessee’s education focus even though I no longer work in the public sector.”

Serving alongside Wells, other members of the Steering Committee — who represent districts and schools, parents, elected officials, and community partners — include: 

• Senate Education Chairman Jon Lundberg 
• House Education Administration Chairman Mark White 
• House Education Instruction Chairlady Debra Moody 
• Bo Griffin, Director of Schools, Millington Municipal Schools 
• Cat Stephens, Director of Schools, Tullahoma City Schools 
• Steve Barnett, Director of Schools, Johnson City Schools 
• Justin Robertson, Director of Schools, Hamilton County Schools 
• Sara Carpenter, Executive Director, The Memphis Lift 
• Christy Carroll Highfill, Parent 
• Jennings Wilson, Parent 
• Jen Aprea, Parent, The ARC 
• Melissa Collins, Teacher of the Year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools 
• Kyle Loudermilk, Principal of the Year, Kingsport City Schools 
• Guy Respess, Data Management Director, Knox County Schools 
• Teresa Winter, CFO, Bartlett City Schools 
• Nancy Dishner, Executive Director, Niswonger Foundation 
• Teresa Sloyan, Executive Director, Hyde Family Foundation 
• Victor Evans, Executive Director, Tennessee CAN 
• Jack Powers, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd 
• Gini Pupo Walker, Executive Director, EdTrust