Tennessee Code Title 9. Public Finances § 9-21-128

Whenever the commissioner of education is authorized by the state board of education to take responsibility for the operation of any local school system or school that has been placed on probation pursuant to title 49, chapter 1, part 6, the state acting under the authority of the state building commission may issue debt necessary to fund school building improvements, demolition or new construction as approved by the commissioner and the state board of education. Such debt may be required to be repaid from any funds available to such local school system.