Despite the setback in the current legislative session, opponents of Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher plan are not backing down. The plan, which aimed to use public funds to support private school scholarships, faced criticism for excluding students with disabilities.
Dustin Park, a parent from Maryville, expressed his concerns about the lack of inclusivity in the proposed plan. He emphasized the importance of public schools in accepting all students, including those with disabilities. The sentiment was echoed by Mike Winstead, Director of Maryville City Schools, who emphasized the need to maintain accountability and inclusivity in education.
Teachers like Dave Gorman from Knox County Schools also voiced their skepticism about lawmakers’ responsiveness to constituents’ concerns. Gorman highlighted past instances of questionable decision-making in the legislature, raising doubts about the transparency of the process.
Despite the disappointment felt by supporters of public education, the failure of the school voucher plan was met with relief by several school districts across East Tennessee. Jeanny Phillips, Director of Oneida Special School District, and Kelly Johnson, Director of Clinton City Schools, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the success of public schools over outside interests.
As Governor Lee prepares to reintroduce the school voucher plan in the next legislative session, advocates and stakeholders in East Tennessee are gearing up to continue their fight against the proposal. The battle for the future of education in Tennessee is far from over, with both sides gearing up for a renewed debate in the coming months.