Tennessee Code Title 49. Education § 49-1-102

(a) The system of public education in this state is governed in accordance with laws enacted by the general assembly and under rules, policies, standards, and guidelines adopted by the state board of education that are necessary for the proper operation of public education in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (pre-K-12). The state board shall formulate the rules, policies, standards, and guidelines with assistance from the commissioner of education, as the state board may request.

(b) The commissioner shall perform the duties assigned to the commissioner by law and is responsible for the administration, implementation, supervision, and enforcement of the rules, policies, standards, and guidelines of the state board of education.

(c) There shall be a local public school system operated in each county or combination of counties. There may be a local public school system operated in a municipality or special school district. Any local public school system shall be administered by:

(d) In the event the local public school system is a multi-county system, the system shall be administered by an elected nine-member board of education and a director appointed by the board.