The Scott County Board of Education on Jan. 16 unanimously approved a resolution opposing the Education Freedom Act, a proposed education savings account (voucher) program championed by Tennessee’s governor.

Superintendent Mr. Hall urged the board to send a resolution to the county’s state legislators opposing the bill, saying the district supports school choice but not diverting public dollars to private schools without the same accountability. "If you add that into it, you give that money towards a private sector, then that same accountability should go with that," Hall said during the board’s meeting.

The resolution directs the board to communicate its position to state lawmakers and was moved, seconded and approved on a roll-call vote. Board members recorded "aye" in the roll calls recorded in the meeting’s transcript.

Why it matters: The Education Freedom Act would create state-funded accounts that parents could use for private school tuition. School leaders and some board members argued at the meeting that private schools are not subject to the same public accountability and testing requirements as public schools, and that the district’s funding and programs — including services for special education and behavior support — would be affected if public dollars were redirected.

What board members and staff said: Hall described conversations with statewide school leaders and legislative contacts and said a special legislative session could come at the end of the month. "There's a special call session at the end of this month, that Governor Lee is pushing," Hall said, adding he had been told supporters appear close to having the votes to pass the measure. He told the board, "I urge you to reach out to our legislators the next couple of weeks because they need to hear from you guys."

The board’s formal action: A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded during Item 9(h) on the agenda; the roll-call recorded all voting members in favor and the motion passed.

Background: At the meeting Hall said the proposed legislation currently would not include homeschool families but could be amended before any vote. He framed the district’s concern around unequal accountability, testing and services between public and private schools.

Next steps: The board’s resolution will be sent to the county’s legislators, and board members were urged to contact lawmakers during the weeks before the special session.