Advocating for Early Childhood Education for Students with Disabilities: David Pickler and GMSD Lead the Charge

As President and CEO of Pickler Wealth Advisors and Executive Director of the American Public Education Foundation (APEF), Pickler has partnered with GMSD to champion an issue that has both local and statewide significance.

In his role as Chairman of the Tennessee Business Roundtable, Pickler is mobilizing business leaders to support GMSD’s advocacy for recurring funding for these essential early intervention programs. Mandated by both state and federal regulations, these programs require school districts to provide educational services to children ages 3 to 5 with disabilities. Early intervention plays a critical role in addressing developmental delays during a pivotal period, significantly improving long-term educational outcomes.

Despite their importance, these programs face chronic funding challenges. While the state issued grants last year following advocacy efforts, the funding only covered about 30% of the costs and lacked a guarantee of future support. To illustrate the scale,

GMSD operates eight state-mandated preschool programs for students with disabilities and their required peer models, at an annual cost of approximately $650,000.

Moreover, the number of students requiring these services continues to grow.

“Parents and pediatricians are increasingly aware of the services to which children are entitled,” said Superintendent Jason Manuel. “This is great news for students because an ounce of early intervention goes a long way.” Assistant Superintendent of Exceptional Education Sarah Huffman added, “While the state met us halfway through a special grant process last year, the district hopes this mandated program will become part of the annually recurring budget.”

The funding shortfall has drawn the attention of longtime GMSD supporter and local businessman David Pickler, whose commitment to public education spans more than three decades. Pickler began his advocacy as a PTA volunteer in 1989 and later served on the Shelby County School Board of Education, including twelve years as chairman. He also served as president of the Tennessee School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association in 2013.

Pickler’s career is marked by significant contributions to early intervention. In 2008, he played a key role in establishing mandatory hearing screenings for newborns in Tennessee, ensuring early detection and support for hearing impairments. "Early identification and intervention are key to a child's success," Pickler emphasized. At the time, Pickler was serving as chairman of the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf board, making the issue especially personal.

Now, as Chairman of the Tennessee Business Roundtable, Pickler is poised to be a formidable ally in GMSD's fight for sustainable funding for early childhood education for students with disabilities. This partnership seeks to ensure that all Tennessee school districts can meet the needs of young children with disabilities, providing them with a strong foundation for future success.

“Investing in early childhood education is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral imperative,” Pickler stated. “By providing adequate funding, we empower our children to reach their full potential.”

Through combined advocacy and leadership, Pickler and GMSD are making strides toward securing the resources necessary to support some of Tennessee’s youngest learners, proving once again that early intervention changes lives.