Tennessee GOP Proposes Major Universal School Voucher Plan
TL/DR –
Three school voucher proposals have been presented to Tennessee lawmakers, with the common objective of creating a statewide program open to all K-12 students. However, each proposal varies, with the most recent offering no testing requirements for students using public funding to attend private schools. The proposed legislation has drawn opposition from Democratic leaders, who say it is attempting to buy votes, and concerns have been raised over the cost of the voucher program and the accountability of private schools accepting public funds.
Tennessee Contemplates Three School Voucher Proposals for K-12 Students
Stay updated on Tennessee’s statewide education policies and Memphis-Shelby County Schools by subscribing to Chalkbeat Tennessee’s free daily newsletter. Currently, three school voucher proposals are pending before Tennessee lawmakers, potentially extending eligibility to all K-12 students regardless of family income.
The latest proposal, filed by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, doesn’t include testing requirements for students joining private schools using public funding. This approach aligns with Gov. Bill Lee’s proposal, although Senate leaders object to this method. The House plan seeks to increase program access for middle-class families in its first year.
The House’s comprehensive plan aims to address a wide array of concerns indicated by public school officials, focusing on issues ranging from student overtesting to healthcare insurance costs for public school teachers. Moreover, it proposes changes for public schools, including reducing testing time, increasing health insurance coverage for teachers, and phasing out the Achievement School District by July 1, 2026.
Despite some appealing policies, Democratic leaders have opposed the voucher proposals. Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons accused the proponents of the proposal of attempting to purchase votes. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally prefers to focus on the issue at hand, rather than expanding the scope beyond vouchers.
All three pieces of legislation propose 20,000 vouchers this fall, with the House legislation suggesting a 20% annual increase if funding permits. Gov. Lee plans to offer $7,075 per recipient this fall, covering approximately 62% of the average cost to attend a private school in Tennessee. The program’s cost and accountability measures for private schools accepting taxpayer money have emerged as significant points of contention.
The governor’s program is projected to cost $144 million for the next fiscal year, an amount included in his proposed budget, with expenses anticipated to increase significantly in the following years. Legislative proposals currently don’t include plans to compensate public schools for potential revenue loss as students transition to private schools. Stay informed about the bill’s progress on the General Assembly’s website.
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News