KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Monday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced he was "extremely disappointed" a plan to fund private school costs with public money would not pass this legislative session.
His plan would have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars toward private school scholarships. There were different versions of the plan in the House and Senate, as well as a plan from the Gov. Lee himself.
Dustin Park is a parent of kids who go to school in Maryville. He's opposed to the universal school voucher plan because he said it excludes students with disabilities.
"The only thing that protects kids with disabilities is that federal law," Parks said. "A bedrock of our public schools is that they accept everybody."
The school district he sends his children to supports his stance.
"We continue to maintain our belief that public funds should not be diverted to private entities, and taxpayers should not be required to subsidize private schools that are not held to the same standards of accountability and inclusivity as public schools," said Mike Winstead, Director of Maryville City Schools. "If the Education Freedom Scholarship Act passed, it would have been harmful to the very students and vulnerable populations it maintained to assist."
Dave Gorman is a teacher at Knox County Schools and also said he's not sure lawmakers will listen to their constituents.
"We also have seen enough dirty dealings," Gorman said. "We'll never forget when Jason Zachary was the deciding vote to bring vouchers to a couple of cities in the state a few years ago — when it looked like it was about to die and he changed his vote."
Knox County Schools provided the following statement about the proposal failing.
"As we have stated before, our attention has and will continue to stay focused on our students and providing them with a high-quality education. We are confident that our families will continue to choose KCS regardless of what happens at the state level."
Several school districts across East Tennessee also said they also are pleased a school voucher plan would not pass this session.
Additional statements from East Tennessee advocates and stakeholders are available below.
Statements
Jeanny Phillips, the Director of Oneida Special School District
"It is important that everyone understands that this movement was NOT a focus for only the state of Tennessee but it was a NATIONAL movement from OUTSIDE INTEREST GROUPS that has been detrimental for states who have succumbed to their promises."
Kelly Johnson, Director of Clinton City Schools
"Elected officials are responsible for listening to their constituents, not answering to outside special interest groups. We know Governor Lee plans to bring it back next year. It is my hope that the citizens of TN remain vigilant in celebrating the many successes of public schools."