chevron_leftchevron_right
Leadership
Your Governor:
Bill Lee (R) (50)
First term began in 2019 (two-term limit). Re-elected in 2022.
In his 2024 State of the State address, Governor Lee called for making vouchers universal across the entire state with an Education Freedom Scholarship and while his efforts fell short his commitment to passing a comprehensive option available to every student no matter their zip code or income level.
STATE LEGISLATURE:
Republican control is still in place, but rural members of the party allied with Democrats were able to stop the Governor’s efforts to pass a statewide scholarship program by relying heavily on union help. Using the tired arguments of no accountability, no evidence of student success and the siphoning of funds from public schools, the opponents of opportunity are gearing up for another fight with the Governor in his final two 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.