The purpose of this needs assessment study was to determine the public's perception of educational needs in 4 Tennessee county school systems. A task force composed of personnel from the 4 counties, representatives of the Clinch-Powell Educational Cooperative, and a representative of the University of Tennessee developed and administered 2 survey instruments to 5 specific groups within the 4 counties. The 5 groups in the sample were certified school employees, noncertified school employees, other adults, elected officials, and students. An analysis of the data revealed that needs were identified differently by different groups and that there was no general consensus. Significant results were that noncertified school employees generally tended to assign high ranks to the items ranked high by certified school personnel but that certified school personnel and students were in almost complete disagreement on the priority of needs within their own counties. (PS)