Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee Discusses Voucher Bill Challenges and Future Plans in Memphis

‘Change to the Status Quo:’ Gov. Bill Lee Reaffirms Commitment to Vouchers during Memphis Visit

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee elaborated on his envisaged voucher bill changes during a visit to Memphis, more specifically at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which had hit legislative walls before it could take off.

Last fall, Governor Lee revealed an ambitious plan to avail $7,075 in state funds to 20,000 students interested in attending private schools in the 2024-25 academic year. He heavily advocated for the bill, facing resistance along the way as lawmakers from both Tennessee Senate and House crafted distinctly different versions of it. Urban and suburban school districts also expressed vehement opposition to the proposal.

Fresh Strategies Required

Despite expressing disappointment last month that his voucher proposal did not have sufficient support in the 2024 legislative session, Governor Lee remains unwavering. On his visit on Tuesday in Memphis, he reiterated his commitment to keep pushing for the bill next year.

Responding to a question about possible changes in his approach due to widespread disapproval from school districts, Governor Lee emphasized parental requirements for education choice across Tennessee. He dismissed the constant critics as “entrenched thinking” and advocated an agenda for change against this status quo.

Next Steps

The governor also addressed the question of his intended proposal for the next year. He did not provide an explicit response to whether he would propose the same $7,075 for 20,000 students, or if he had plans to adjust these figures. However, Lee hinted that the actual legislation would bear some modifications based on observations from the year.

His goal, the governor defined, would be to make education freedom “universal.” He envisages every family in the state having options of where their kids would attend school, thereby improving all education institutions’ quality.

School Districts Opposition Stands

These statements are, however, unlikely to mollify education leaders in public schools. These leaders have been staunch critics of the proposal and breathed sighs of relief when it was finally shelved at the general assembly. They continue to argue that the bill ultimately does disservice to public schools, even with Lee’s assurance that the funds for the voucher program will be separate.

Many opponents also state that the bill will channel vital government resources to private schools, which do not follow the same state assessments and regulations required of public schools. They also argue that students’ performance does not necessarily improve when they switch from public to private schools using vouchers.

Educators are prepared to oppose the voucher proposal when it resurfaces. For instance, when Governor Lee publicly conceded that the bill was dead for the year, Arlington Community Schools Superintendent Jeff Mayo saw that as a small victory. He warned, however, that public school advocates must not remain silent in the next year when the voucher proposal is likely to reemerge once again.