Welcome to TSBA: Your Education Source - a podcast produced by the Tennessee School Boards Association. Tune in to hear discussions and interviews about legislation, legal topics, policies, and other happenings that affect public education in Tennessee.
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Welcome to TSBA, Your Education Source – a podcast produced by the Tennessee School Boards Association. Tune in to hear discussions and interviews about legislation, legal topics, policies, and other happenings that affect public education in Tennessee. If you have any feedback or suggestions on content, email [email protected].
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Ask the Attorney: Special Education Edition
29:33
29:33
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29:33In today’s episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a poli…
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1
Ask the Attorney: Special Education Edition
29:33
29:33
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29:33In today’s episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a poli…
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Lights, Camera, Education: Inside Warrior Media at White County Schools
39:43
39:43
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39:43In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that’s empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White…
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Lights, Camera, Education: Inside Warrior Media at White County Schools
39:43
39:43
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39:43In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Warrior Media, the educational media program at White County Schools that’s empowering students to create, collaborate, and develop A/V production skills. Join us as we discuss this program with Jayson McDonald, 2025 TSBA President and White County Board Member; Kurt Dronebarger, Director of Schools at White…
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Unveiling the Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for School Board Members
21:43
21:43
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21:43In this episode, we’re excited to discuss TSBA’s latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it’s essential for …
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Unveiling the Artificial Intelligence Toolkit for School Board Members
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21:43In this episode, we’re excited to discuss TSBA’s latest resource: the TSBA School Board Member Toolkit for Artificial Intelligence. Join us as we sit down with Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations and one of the developers of this innovative toolkit, to explore how AI is shaping the future of K-12 education and why it’s essential for …
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1
[Re-Air] Getting on Board: Tips for New School Board Members
27:54
27:54
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27:54Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton Coun…
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1
[Re-Air] Getting on Board: Tips for New School Board Members
27:54
27:54
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27:54Due to the amount of recent new board members, we wanted to relaunch the following podcast to help navigate this time as a new board member. During this podcast episode, Candy Morgan, Former TSBA President (Maryville); Keys Fillauer, Former TSBA President (Oak Ridge); Dr. Dale Viox, Former TSBA President (Arlington); and Marty Burlison (Tipton Coun…
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1
From Classroom to Boardroom: The Importance of Student Representatives in Education
25:27
25:27
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25:27In today’s episode, Mark Clark, Board Chairman, Fayetteville City, Eric Jones, Director of Schools, Fayetteville City, and Braila, a Senior at Fayetteville City Schools, discuss the role of student representatives on Boards of Education and their impact on shaping the future of our schools. Listen today to hear insights on why student voices are es…
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1
From Classroom to Boardroom: The Importance of Student Representatives in Education
25:27
25:27
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25:27In today’s episode, Mark Clark, Board Chairman, Fayetteville City, Eric Jones, Director of Schools, Fayetteville City, and Braila, a Senior at Fayetteville City Schools, discuss the role of student representatives on Boards of Education and their impact on shaping the future of our schools. Listen today to hear insights on why student voices are es…
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1
Student Congress on Policies in Education Conference – Everything You Need to Know About SCOPE
18:53
18:53
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18:53In today’s episode, Jennifer White, TSBA Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discusses the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference. Annually, TSBA hosts this event which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Tune in today and listen to how participants ex…
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Student Congress on Policies in Education Conference – Everything You Need to Know About SCOPE
18:53
18:53
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18:53In today’s episode, Jennifer White, TSBA Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney, discusses the Student Congress on Policies in Education (SCOPE) conference. Annually, TSBA hosts this event which brings together 9th-12th grade students from across the state to discuss current topics in education. Tune in today and listen to how participants ex…
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In today’s episode, Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discusses the importance of advocacy in public education and why it matters to be an effective advocate. Whether you are a board member or a Director of Schools, today’s episode contains helpful information when considering the legislative landscape for the school district.…
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In today’s episode, Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discusses the importance of advocacy in public education and why it matters to be an effective advocate. Whether you are a board member or a Director of Schools, today’s episode contains helpful information when considering the legislative landscape for the school district.…
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1
Enhancing Education for English Learners at Collierville Schools
44:12
44:12
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44:12In today’s episode, Wright Cox, Collierville Board Chairman; Leigh Anne Rainey, Chief Academic Officer; and Jana Church, Intervention and Special Populations Supervisor, discuss their English Learners program and how they are using this program to empower students from diverse backgrounds to overcome language barriers and succeed academically. List…
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Enhancing Education for English Learners at Collierville Schools
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44:12
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44:12In today’s episode, Wright Cox, Collierville Board Chairman; Leigh Anne Rainey, Chief Academic Officer; and Jana Church, Intervention and Special Populations Supervisor, discuss their English Learners program and how they are using this program to empower students from diverse backgrounds to overcome language barriers and succeed academically. List…
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1
TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program
32:26
32:26
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32:26In today’s episode, David Lowrie, State Director, and Jake Davis, State President, discuss the TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program and how this program has impacted students across the state of Tennessee. Listen today to learn how to get your school district involved. https://tbnhsy.com David Lowrie, TN State Director [email protected]…
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TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program
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32:26In today’s episode, David Lowrie, State Director, and Jake Davis, State President, discuss the TN Bass Nation High School and Youth Program and how this program has impacted students across the state of Tennessee. Listen today to learn how to get your school district involved. https://tbnhsy.com David Lowrie, TN State Director [email protected]…
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In today’s episode, Dr. Tammy Grissom, TSBA Executive Director, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discuss the importance of data and why it is such an important tool for school boards to utilize when making decisions for their school districts. Listen today to lear…
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In today’s episode, Dr. Tammy Grissom, TSBA Executive Director, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director/General Counsel, and Nolan Combs, TSBA Director of Government Relations, discuss the importance of data and why it is such an important tool for school boards to utilize when making decisions for their school districts. Listen today to lear…
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1
[Re-Air] Attributes of an Effective Board Chairman
39:29
39:29
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39:29[Re-Air] In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Keys Fillauer, 2021 President-Elect and Board Chairman of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, as he discusses the top attributes needed to be an effective board chairman. The chairman carries a heavy responsibility, and certain skills and actions are required in order for the chairman to conduct his/her …
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1
[Re-Air] Attributes of an Effective Board Chairman
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39:29
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39:29[Re-Air] In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Keys Fillauer, 2021 President-Elect and Board Chairman of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, as he discusses the top attributes needed to be an effective board chairman. The chairman carries a heavy responsibility, and certain skills and actions are required in order for the chairman to conduct his/her …
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In today’s episode, Dr. Steve Barnett, Director of Schools for Johnson City Schools, Kathy Hall, Chair of the Johnson City Board of Education, and Dr. Greg Wallace, Supervisor of Safety and Mental Health discuss Johnson City Schools’ Heroes Program – a comprehensive set of services designed to meet a wide range of student mental health and safety n…
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In today’s episode, Dr. Steve Barnett, Director of Schools for Johnson City Schools, Kathy Hall, Chair of the Johnson City Board of Education, and Dr. Greg Wallace, Supervisor of Safety and Mental Health discuss Johnson City Schools’ Heroes Program – a comprehensive set of services designed to meet a wide range of student mental health and safety n…
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1
“Paws on Patrol” with Lebanon Special School District
34:00
34:00
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34:00In today’s episode, Brian Hutto, Director of Schools of Lebanon Special Schools, Mike Kurtz, Director of Operations, and Officer Dusty Burton share the importance of school safety and introduce Blaze, their newest resource to ensure that all students and district employees are safe while at school. Listen in as they explain why the Lebanon Special …
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1
“Paws on Patrol” with Lebanon Special School District
34:00
34:00
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34:00In today’s episode, Brian Hutto, Director of Schools of Lebanon Special Schools, Mike Kurtz, Director of Operations, and Officer Dusty Burton share the importance of school safety and introduce Blaze, their newest resource to ensure that all students and district employees are safe while at school. Listen in as they explain why the Lebanon Special …
…
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In today’s episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a poli…
…
continue reading
In today’s episode, the TSBA Staff Attorneys are back and answering the most asked legal questions received from board members across the state. This version of “Ask the Attorney” focuses solely on questions regarding the law around board policy. Questions from “what is the function of the policy committee” to “how can a board member propose a poli…
…
continue reading

1
Cheatham County: A Unified Champion District
28:53
28:53
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28:53In today’s episode, Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools for Cheatham County Schools, and David Risner, Board Chairman of the Cheatham County Board of Education, share the importance of becoming the first school district in Tennessee to be named a Unified Champion District by the Special Olympics. Join us as they cover the steps the district took to…
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1
Cheatham County: A Unified Champion District
28:53
28:53
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28:53In today’s episode, Dr. Cathy Beck, Director of Schools for Cheatham County Schools, and David Risner, Board Chairman of the Cheatham County Board of Education, share the importance of becoming the first school district in Tennessee to be named a Unified Champion District by the Special Olympics. Join us as they cover the steps the district took to…
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The Tennessee School Boards Association maintains an awards program that, each year, recognizes school board members who have gone above and beyond for their school district. In today’s episode, Brittany Massey, Director of Finance and Member Services, and Sandy Jones, Board of Directors Services Coordinator, cover the different types of awards and…
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The Tennessee School Boards Association maintains an awards program that, each year, recognizes school board members who have gone above and beyond for their school district. In today’s episode, Brittany Massey, Director of Finance and Member Services, and Sandy Jones, Board of Directors Services Coordinator, cover the different types of awards and…
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1
Cybersecurity 101: How to Protect Your Digital Assets
35:41
35:41
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35:41In today’s episode, Nathan Abbott, Information Systems Manager with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury – Division of Local Government Audit, provides an in-depth overview of cybersecurity and speaks to why it is important for school districts to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect their digital assets. Show Notes: …
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1
Cybersecurity 101: How to Protect Your Digital Assets
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35:41In today’s episode, Nathan Abbott, Information Systems Manager with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury – Division of Local Government Audit, provides an in-depth overview of cybersecurity and speaks to why it is important for school districts to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect their digital assets. Show Notes: …
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In today’s episode, Patty Thomas, Director of Career & Technical Education, Federal Programs, & Nursing Services for Alcoa City Schools, discusses Careers in Motion, a program that encourages students to participate in CTE opportunities. Careers in Motion is a grant-funded project awarded by Pathways TN and the Tennessee Department of Education to …
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In today’s episode, Patty Thomas, Director of Career & Technical Education, Federal Programs, & Nursing Services for Alcoa City Schools, discusses Careers in Motion, a program that encourages students to participate in CTE opportunities. Careers in Motion is a grant-funded project awarded by Pathways TN and the Tennessee Department of Education to …
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1
SafeTN App: Keeping Our Schools Safe with the TN Office of Homeland Security
47:06
47:06
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47:06In today’s episode, Greg Mays, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, speaks about the SafeTN app and explains why this platform is vital when keeping our schools safe. Listen in as he provides background information as to why such an application is needed and why it is important to create a positive enviro…
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1
SafeTN App: Keeping Our Schools Safe with the TN Office of Homeland Security
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47:06
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47:06In today’s episode, Greg Mays, Deputy Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, speaks about the SafeTN app and explains why this platform is vital when keeping our schools safe. Listen in as he provides background information as to why such an application is needed and why it is important to create a positive enviro…
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In today’s episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Greg Hammond, Chief Public Information Officer, discuss why communication is key at Jackson-Madison County Schools. Listen in as they cover the different methods of communication that they have implemented to foster relationships with their employees, students, parents,…
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In today’s episode, Dr. Ricky Catlett, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Greg Hammond, Chief Public Information Officer, discuss why communication is key at Jackson-Madison County Schools. Listen in as they cover the different methods of communication that they have implemented to foster relationships with their employees, students, parents,…
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In today’s episode, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director & General Counsel, and Brittany Massey, TSBA Director of Finance & Member Services, discuss school board member training and provide information as to these training requirements as well as the trainings available through the Tennessee School Boards Association.…
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In today’s episode, Ben Torres, TSBA Assistant Executive Director & General Counsel, and Brittany Massey, TSBA Director of Finance & Member Services, discuss school board member training and provide information as to these training requirements as well as the trainings available through the Tennessee School Boards Association.…
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1
Focusing on Financial Education with the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission
31:21
31:21
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31:21In today’s episode, Bill Parker, Director of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission, discusses the importance of financial literacy in grades K-12 and the resources available for school districts when focusing on financial education. Click here to access a video created by the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission.…
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Focusing on Financial Education with the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission
31:21
31:21
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31:21In today’s episode, Bill Parker, Director of the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission, discusses the importance of financial literacy in grades K-12 and the resources available for school districts when focusing on financial education. Click here to access a video created by the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission.…
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1
CMA Foundation - Creating a Brighter Future Through Music Education
1:03:03
1:03:03
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1:03:03In today’s episode, Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director of the CMA Foundation & SVP Industry Relations & Philanthropy at the County Music Association, and Franklin Willis, Director of Community Impact at the Country Music Association, discuss the importance of music education in our Tennessee schools and provide resources and recommendations as to ho…
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CMA Foundation - Creating a Brighter Future Through Music Education
1:03:03
1:03:03
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1:03:03In today’s episode, Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director of the CMA Foundation & SVP Industry Relations & Philanthropy at the County Music Association, and Franklin Willis, Director of Community Impact at the Country Music Association, discuss the importance of music education in our Tennessee schools and provide resources and recommendations as to ho…
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1
Conducting Your Board Meetings with BOEconnect
35:20
35:20
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35:20In today’s episode, we discuss the benefits of BOEconnect, an online meeting platform offered by TSBA. Vijaya Subramani, Board Secretary for the Germantown Municipal Board of Education, highlights the many reasons why she and the Board enjoy utilizing this service and how it has streamlined the board meeting preparation process. Listen today to lea…
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Conducting Your Board Meetings with BOEconnect
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35:20In today’s episode, we discuss the benefits of BOEconnect, an online meeting platform offered by TSBA. Vijaya Subramani, Board Secretary for the Germantown Municipal Board of Education, highlights the many reasons why she and the Board enjoy utilizing this service and how it has streamlined the board meeting preparation process. Listen today to lea…
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1
Discussing School Support Organizations with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury
41:13
41:13
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41:13In today’s episode, Christy Tennant, Deputy Director of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of Investigations, is speaking about the role of the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and how it works with school districts when overseeing school support organizations. Listen today to find out more about the board’s role when ensuring these …
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1
Discussing School Support Organizations with the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury
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41:13In today’s episode, Christy Tennant, Deputy Director of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Division of Investigations, is speaking about the role of the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office and how it works with school districts when overseeing school support organizations. Listen today to find out more about the board’s role when ensuring these …
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