Advancing what works. Accelerating what’s next.
For more than 15 years, Tennessee has led the nation in education progress, proving what’s possible when educators, policymakers, and communities work together to put students first. But progress is not a signal to slow down. It's a call to go further.
At this event, SCORE released the 2026 State of Education in Tennessee: Moving Every Student Forward, a report outlining the next phase of Tennessee’s journey. Rooted in data and driven by a clear vision, the report draws a roadmap for connecting learning to opportunity. It builds on Tennessee’s legacy of leadership and challenges us to sustain momentum by setting a bold vision and identifying four statewide priorities designed to move every student forward.
Including a panel discussion with state and local leaders, the event explored what it takes to continue building a student-centered education system that prepares every Tennessean for success in the classroom, career, and life.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m. CT
Location: Frist Art Museum | 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Featuring Remarks From:
- Sen. Bill Frist, M.D., Founder & Chairman, SCORE
- David Mansouri, President & CEO, SCORE
EVENT AGENDA
2026 State of Education in Tennessee: Moving Every Student Forward
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. CT
Frist Art Museum, Nashville, TN
8:30 A.M. | Registration, Networking, and Light Breakfast
9:00 A.M. | Event and Livestream Begin
9:10 A.M. | Welcome and Opening Remarks from Sen. Bill Frist, M.D., Founder & Chairman, SCORE, and David Mansouri, President & CEO, SCORE
9:30 A.M. | Panel Discussion
- Dr. Annette Tudor, Director of Schools, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
- Rory Thomas, President, Memphis Medical District Collaborative
- Dr. Brian Noland, President, East Tennessee State University
- Dr. Ricki Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer, LEAD Public Schools
- Moderator: Janet Ayers, Chairman, Ayers Foundation Trust
10:15 A.M. | Reflection and Closing Remarks from Sen. Bill Frist, M.D., Founder & Chairman, SCORE
10:30 A.M | Adjourn
STATE OF EDUCATION REPORT
2026 ADVOCACY AGENDA
EVENT RECORDING
SLIDE DECK
Panelists
Janet Ayers
Chairman, Ayers Foundation Trust
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Dr. Ricki Gibbs II
Chief Executive Officer, LEAD Public Schools
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Dr. Brian Noland
President, East Tennessee State University
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Rory Thomas
President, Memphis Medical District Collaborative
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Dr. Annette Tudor
Director of Schools, Bristol Tennessee City Schools
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