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Leadership
Your Governor:
Bill Lee (R) (50)
First term began in 2019 (two-term limit). Re-elected in 2022.
Governor Lee has been a steadfast advocate for education freedom, demonstrating resilience and determination in advancing school choice initiatives. After facing significant legislative hurdles in 2024, he secured major victories in the 2025 session with the passage of Education Freedom Accounts. While this legislation requires improvement to reach more students, Lee’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping policies that empower Tennessee’s parents, increase access to high-quality schooling options, and drive innovation in education.
STATE LEGISLATURE:
There are mixed views among Rs and Ds in the Volunteer state when it comes to parent power. Governor’s efforts to pass a statewide scholarship program were stymied by some who opposed using existing education funds for the program, limiting its scope and power. That’s an area where parents need to push in the coming years.
Constitutional Issues
There is no Blaine Amendment in Tennessee and opinions have confirmed that providing for educational choice through vouchers would be constitutional.
Transparency
School report cards are easily accessible under the “Top Links → Report Card” tab from Tennessee's Department of Education website. Reports include information on performance indicators on student growth and academic achievement, attendance, staffing, and finance, and a brief overview on the school environment; the state could do a better job adding additional measures for families to garner a better overall vision of the school. Report cards are published a school- year behind, which is not ideal for families looking to learn up-to-date information.
Educational options and private school scholarship information are easily accessible under the “Families → School Choice” tab, further increasing transparency.
School Board elections in Tennessee occur separately from the general election cycle, often resulting in reduced parental influence and a diminished ability to make their voices heard due to lower voter turnout.