MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Rutherford County earned top state honors after the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission presented the community with the 2026 Financial Literacy Leadership Award. The award recognizes ongoing countywide initiatives to expand practical money management training for public school students.

Rutherford County Mayor Randy Allen accepted the award on behalf of the county alongside District 10 County Commissioner Phil Wilson. Several high-ranking state leaders took part in the ceremony, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally, State Representative Mike Sparks, and Tennessee State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr.

The recognition follows action taken by the Rutherford County Board of Education, which unanimously approved a resolution expanding financial instruction for elementary and middle school students. That measure requires local students to complete at least one age-appropriate financial literacy instructional experience by the end of fourth grade and a second instructional milestone before completing eighth grade.

The school board resolution also establishes a formal partnership with the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission. Through that collaboration, the state commission delivers financial education curricula and professional development resources to Rutherford County educators at no cost.

"This recognition belongs to the educators, school leaders and community partners who are helping prepare Rutherford County students for real life," Mayor Allen stated. "Knowing how to budget, save, use credit wisely and plan for the future gives our young people practical skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. We are proud to work with the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission to help give our students a strong foundation for adulthood."

State officials established the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission in 2010 to improve personal finance skills across the state by supplying educational materials directly to schools and families. The organization focuses on equipping children with financial knowledge early in their academic careers.