Carroll County Public Schools in Tennessee has been awarded a Community Schools Development and Implementation Grant worth $508,000. The grant will be used to support integrated student supports, expanded learning opportunities, active family/community engagement, and collaborative leadership practices. This funding comes as the district struggles with financial challenges, including a lack of funding per student and the loss of property tax revenue due to the state's recapture policy. Superintendent Lane Ledbetter and Board President Cameron Bryan discussed these issues at a recent luncheon, highlighting the need for accountability in how the money is spent. Ledbetter also called on community members to reach out to state representatives to fix the state funding formula. The board has taken measures to address their financial situation, including a 21-cent reduction per $100 assessed valuation on the operations portion of its budget. They plan to eliminate the debt service portion of the tax bill by 2029. Despite these challenges, Ledbetter emphasized the district's tradition of excellence and the need to protect it.