Funding & Resources for Instructional Materials
Teachers have access to instructional materials through Basic Education Program (BEP) Funds, School-Based Budgeting (SBB) Funds, and DG PencilBox.
BEP Funds:
By October 31st, teachers will receive $200 in BEP funds for the purchase of instructional materials and supplies. BEP funds may be used as outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-3-359:
This money must be used by the teachers for instructional supplies and must be given to each teacher by October 31 of each school year so that the teacher may spend it at any time during that school year on instructional supplies as determined necessary by the teacher
Teachers will turn in receipts to their bookkeepers by April 1st. Receipts must only show purchases for instructional supplies. Receipts with personal items listed may not be submitted. Unless it is a tax-free period as designated by the State of Tennessee, teachers must pay tax on their purchased items. Any item purchased online, must be shipped to the school.
In addition to the $200 directly provided to each teacher, $100 for each teacher will be added to a pool of funds (i.e., BEP pooled funds) at each school. A committee of teachers will determine how to spend BEP pooled funds.
You can find more information about BEP guidelines on the MNPS BEP SharePoint site. *You must log in using your MNPS credentials to access this site.
School-Based Budgeting Funds:
Per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) p. 23, schools must allocate the per-student amount stated in the school-based budgeting guidelines for teachers to purchase classroom supplies. Principals must share the process for requesting and approving supply requests prior to the first instructional day of the school year.
Pencil Foundation:
The Pencil Foundation provides classroom essentials such as pencils, crayons, copy paper, book bags, and more to MNPS teachers at no cost! DG PENCIL Box stores are located in West Nashville and Antioch. Teachers are invited to shop for free once per quarter. Register to shop here.