SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has scheduled a special legislative session for January 27 to discuss a new school voucher plan called The Education Freedom Scholarship Act. This proposal aims to offer scholarships up to $20,000 for eligible students to attend private schools.
In Sullivan County, school leaders are firmly against this idea. They voted unanimously to voice their opposition. Sullivan County’s Director of Schools, Chuck Carter, expressed his concerns, stating that the voucher system might not benefit all students and may lead to less accountability in schools that adopt such programs.
Carter encourages parents to reach out to their local representatives and share their thoughts about the Education Freedom Act. He believes community input is crucial in this decision-making process.
This isn’t the first time Governor Lee has tried to push a school voucher program in Tennessee. His previous attempt did not succeed. Alongside the voucher discussions, the special session will also tackle topics like disaster recovery funding and public safety, particularly regarding immigration.
Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable showed support for the governor’s initiative but acknowledged the school board’s decision. He stated, “I respect the individual members of the school board and their decision to do what they think is in the best interest of their students. That’s the way things work in a representative democracy.” He looks forward to seeing the final bill that emerges from the session, hoping it reflects the views of informed Tennesseans.
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Sullivan County,Education Freedom Scholarship Act,School voucher,Tennessee,Gov. Bill Lee,Scholarships,Accountability,Public safety
