The Success of Our Public Schools Starts with Ending Vouchers

Photo from Tennessee Lookout - taken by John Partipillo

Despite the promises made by voucher proponents, these programs are not going to the children most in need. Instead of helping low-income students or those facing the greatest barriers, vouchers are largely benefiting families who were already able to access private education—while draining resources from the public schools that serve the vast majority of Tennessee’s children.

Even more troubling, multiple reports show that students who use vouchers often perform worse academically than their peers who remain in public schools. Lower test scores, disrupted learning, and less accountability are becoming the norm—not the exception.

Yet Speaker Cameron Sexton has announced plans to double down on this failed experiment. His proposal would dramatically expand vouchers, pulling even more funding out of our public schools.

Every dollar diverted to vouchers is a dollar taken directly from classrooms, teachers, and students across Tennessee.

Imagine what we could do if, instead of draining public schools, we invested in them:

• We could pay our teachers what they deserve and finally address the staffing shortages hurting our schools.

• We could expand special education services so every child receives the support they need to succeed.

• We could build strong career pathways, certifications, and workforce training programs that prepare students for good-paying jobs right here in Tennessee.

This is not a question of priorities—it’s a question of values.

We deserve strong public schools where our children can thrive. We also deserve transparent, accountable use of taxpayer dollars with policies that lift up all children, not just a few. If we want our schools to succeed, we must continue to stand against policies that weaken our schools and fight for investments that truly benefit Tennessee families.