The Truth About Vouchers: Governor Lee’s Plan Hurts Tennessee Public Schools
“Governor Bill Lee’s latest attempt to push school vouchers onto Tennessee undermines public education, disguises inequity as opportunity, and prioritizes affluent families over those in need. It’s time to demand real investments in our public schools and reject this “reverse Robin Hood” scheme.”
Partisan Politics Meets the Classroom
Mary Crank’s first act as a newly elected member of the Oak Ridge Board of Education wasn’t to support our schools or listen to families—it was to push a partisan agenda by attempting to block a resolution opposing school vouchers. This is what happens when we overlook the importance of local elections.
A Thriving Democratic Community Is Our Strongest Defense
“In times of uncertainty, it’s our community that gives us strength. Here in Anderson County, a thriving Democratic network isn’t just about politics—it’s about neighbors coming together to protect our schools, stand up for our values, and fight for a better future. As we face national challenges, we know that change begins at the local level, with each of us refusing to let despair win.”
Let's Answer Some Questions About School Vouchers in Tennessee
School vouchers may sound like an opportunity for 'school choice,' but in reality, they drain vital resources from Tennessee's public schools. With each voucher pulling an estimated $10,000 per student from public education budgets, the promise of opportunity is often out of reach for low-income families, and public schools are left to bear the brunt of funding cuts. In this blog, Oak Ridge Board of Education candidate Ashley Craven breaks down what vouchers really mean, how they work under Tennessee's new TISA funding model, and why supporting public education is critical for our community's future.
Before You Vote, Ask: Where Do the Candidates Stand on Vouchers?
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.
Can we talk about the other elephant in the room?
“On social media, he sidesteps direct questions about it… and interestingly, he's being supported by Team Kids, PAC, a dark money group advocating for the privatization of our public schools.
They are about as pro-voucher as it gets. As the saying goes, if it quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, if it doesn’t say outright say it’s anti-voucher… it's probably a duck.”