VITAL POLICY – Education Savings Accounts (School Vouchers) Expanded in Tennessee

Demand Increasing for School Choice

State Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga) expressed disappointment concerning the lack of progress made by certain Hamilton County Schools after more than twenty million dollars had been poured into the school system over a five-year period. The additional money was over and above the BEP and other regular funding that the Hamilton County School system normally received. It failed to provide improvement to certain schools. In fact, Gardenhire reported that some Hamilton County schools got worse. He knew that a different approach was needed as he explained SB12 to the Tennessee Senate on February 16, 2023, a bill aimed at expanding Education Savings Accounts, commonly known as school vouchers.

For background on Gardenhire’s proposed legislation, a link is provided here.

Both chambers of the Tennessee Legislature have now approved Gardenhire’s bill expanding ESAs. On April 19 the Tennessee House of Representatives substituted and conformed to Gardenhire’s bill, effectively adding Hamilton County, Tennessee to the list of school districts whose students will be eligible for ESAs, provided certain family income criteria are met and that applicants are zoned to attend schools that are among the worst performing as defined by the state’s accountability system. That criteria can be found in the language of the bill linked here.

ESAs provide much-needed funding for families to move their children to private schools who are geographically trapped in underperforming schools. However, many parents and students across the state are now demanding vouchers in school districts that do not have poorly performing schools, indicative of the movement for school choice.

Having full school choice is the goal of many education activists as well.

“We are grateful to Senator Gardenhire for spearheading the effort to expand the ESA program to Hamilton County families who need options the most. And we applaud legislators for making it happen this session. Now thousands more children will have access to a quality education that meets their needs, along with the thousands who are already enrolling in the program. This proves that there is demand for more options, and we will continue to fight until every parent who wants an option has one, no matter where they live.” Said Justin Owen, President and CEO, Beacon Center of Tennessee

The Beacon Center of Tennessee has published multiple reports on the benefit of Education Savings Accounts for parents, students, and even school districts. To learn more about the Beacon Center education research, please visit the links provided below.

Evaluating ESAs in the Volunteer State (beacontn.org)

Tennessee Must Expand the Education Savings Account Program (beacontn.org)

Educational Freedom (beacontn.org)

David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.