TENNESSEE, USA — Governor Bill Lee announced a new plan for school vouchers, which would give students who apply $7,075 each to pay for private school and other costs.
The money would come from the state's general fund. Right now, the plan would set aside half of the 20,000 vouchers for low-income students and those with disabilities. The other 10,000 would be available for anyone, state-wide.
Eligible Expenses:
- Private school tuition, fees and uniforms required by the private school
- Textbooks, curricula and instructional materials required by the private school
- Tutoring services provided by a tutor or tutoring facility
- Fees for transportation to and from a private school
- Computer hardware, technological devices and tech fees used for educational needs
- Tuition, fees, textbooks, curricula and instructional materials for summer and after-school academic programs (public and private), not including after-school childcare
- Fees for early postsecondary opportunity courses or exams, entrance exams required for postsecondary admission and industry credentials as promoted by TDOE
- Educational therapy services provided by therapists
The governor's office said they are still working on some details, but they will "prioritize clear guidance on eligible uses for funding and spending accountability."
Students enrolled in umbrella or church-related schools are eligible for the voucher. Students in individual homeschool programs are not.
The governor's office noted these factors are subject to change through the legislative process.
This is an expansion of Tennessee's current school voucher program, currently active in Shelby, Davison and Hamilton counties. Currently, there are 1,972 students enrolled in the state's ESA, or Education Savings Account program.
In Shelby and Davison counties, students can receive $9,153 and in Hamilton County, they can receive $8,944. Families who are taking part in the ESA program, on average, are families of four making less than $38,000 a year, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.