Before You Vote, Ask: Where Do the Candidates Stand on Vouchers?
As we approach the election for the Oak Ridge Board of Education this November, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is: Where do the candidates stand on school vouchers?
School vouchers are a divisive issue in Tennessee, and it’s a debate that will likely resurface in Nashville in the next legislative session. These programs redirect public funds to private schools, which can have a devastating impact on our already underfunded public school system. Tennessee ranks 45th in per-pupil spending, and when students leave public schools under voucher programs, their departure takes dollars with them.
That’s why this election matters so much. Not only do we need to send representatives to Nashville who will fight against vouchers, but we also need to elect local leaders who will stand up for our public schools and do everything they can to protect them. The Oak Ridge Board of Education candidates play a direct role in ensuring our schools remain fully funded and high-performing.
At a recent candidate forum, all four participating candidates—Democrats Ashley Craven and Tiffany Malone, along with Independents Sharon Gleason and Keith Jeter—shared their thoughts on this issue. Notably absent was Republican candidate Mary Crank, who did not participate.
Democratic candidates Ashley Craven and Tiffany Malone made it clear that they oppose school vouchers and are committed to keeping public funds in public schools. Both emphasized how important it is to ensure Oak Ridge schools remain well-resourced and focused on student success.
Craven stated, "I unequivocally oppose school vouchers... Public dollars belong in public schools." Malone agreed, saying, "School vouchers drain our budget... Oak Ridge schools do a very good job of making sure our kids are successful."
Their commitment to defending public education reflects the values of many in our community who want to keep Oak Ridge schools strong and effective.
On the other hand, while Sharon Gleason and Keith Jeter, both Independents, expressed concerns about vouchers, it’s the Democratic candidates, Craven and Malone, who have put the issue front and center, leaving no doubt about their dedication to our public schools.
You can watch the full candidate forum below, and below is a transcript of the candidates’ remarks on school vouchers:
“I unequivocally oppose school vouchers. School vouchers are just a way for public funds to go to private entities, and I think that public dollars belong in public schools. When a student leaves a public school to go to a private school under a voucher program, the public school will lose ten thousand dollars per student. Tennessee is already ranked 45th in per-pupil spending. If you have 50 students leave a school system to go to a private school, you’re losing half a million dollars in your public school. I will never be in favor of vouchers.”
“My view of school vouchers is simple: school vouchers drain our budget, they do not bring revenue into the area, and research shows that school vouchers do not have an effect on proven student performance. Also, private schools do not have to abide by the same rigor that the public schools do. Oak Ridge schools do a very good job of making sure our kids are successful, so for me, I vote no for school vouchers, and I think what we have in Oak Ridge right now provides us with the needs and resources for our educators and students.”
“Oak Ridge schools are fantastic. I’m not in support of school vouchers. We have a fantastic school system here, with active and involved parents. We are proven in our local and state rankings as a school. Our educators are great, our counselors and staff are great. I can understand some perspective, but I think that Oak Ridge schools are not in need of school vouchers, and I support that.”
“I’ve done some research and looked at polling from several different institutions across the state of Tennessee, and a lot of it depends on how you ask the question as to people’s support of vouchers or not. One thing I can say, though, is that we are very fortunate in Oak Ridge to have one of the finest public school systems in the state of Tennessee and in the country. Your tax dollars are already being very well spent on excellence in education. The Oak Ridge Board of Education, Clinton Board of Education, and Anderson County Board of Education all say that vouchers are not needed for our county.”
