The Tennessee Constitution, Article 1, Section 8, and Article 11, Sections 8 and 12, require the General Assembly to maintain and support a system of free public schools that provides equal educational opportunity for all children. (Also see Tennessee Small School Systems v. McWherter, 851 S.W.2d 139 (Tenn 1993); also 2002 WL 31247076 (October 8, 2002)). Each county is required (T.C.A. § 49-2-101), and municipalities are permitted (T.C.A. § 49-2-401), to operate a school system.

For more information about policies, guidelines, and standards for school systems, go to the website of the state Board of Education, www.tennessee.gov/education.