Wilson County Schools bringing resolution against school vouchers program

WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – School districts across the state are joining the fight against a proposal to give taxpayer money to private school families.

Governor Bill Lee first proposed taking the school voucher program statewide in November and since then, lawmakers haven’t been able to agree on a bill.

On Monday night, the Wilson County school board is bringing a resolution against the controversial school voucher program.

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“Who will educate our children?” Dr. Donna Wright said.

It’s a question surrounding teacher retention.

Dr. Wright said the problem will only worsen if lawmakers expand the school voucher program. “Teachers are leaving at an alarming rate because they are no longer finding security.

The former Wilson County superintendent has been outspoken on the school voucher bill after Governor Lee announced he would like to expand the program statewide to any family, regardless of income.

“We are competing for dollars, for funding, we need to make sure that we are accountable for those public dollars and that’s simply not the case that is being presented with any of the measures that are being put so far,” Wright said.

Lawmakers are juggling three proposals, one from the governor, the House, and the Senate. Each bill has incentives. For example, the House bill would allow additional state healthcare funding for public teachers. It would also scale back on state testing in public schools.

“I will tell you that is wonderful, but my question is why does it have to be a part of this bill?” said Jeff Luttrell during a Work Session meeting.

In response, Luttrell, the current Wilson County Director of Schools, is bringing forward a resolution against school vouchers on Monday night.

“We need to ask ourselves why would people choose a private or a home school over a public school?” said Joseph Padilla, Wilson County School Board Representative.

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Padilla said he’s considering the pros and cons of the bills before he signs off on a resolution. “I would lean more towards approving the resolution to let the state know we are paying attention; you need to sit down with the director, some of our board members.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Wright said she is planning to meet with lawmakers over the next few days to voice her concerns.

“This should have been brought to a referendum, let us vote it up or vote it down and that was never even an option or consideration for this state,” Wright said.

All three voucher bills are still in the committee process.

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