Written by: Richard Massey

Senator Marsha Blackburn has been a vocal advocate for school choice policies, including the expansion of school vouchers and charter schools. While these policies are often promoted as ways to improve educational outcomes, they have significant implications for public school funding and the overall quality of education in Tennessee. This article critiques Blackburn's support for these policies, highlights the importance of strong public schools for Tennessee's future, and proposes alternative policies to strengthen public education.

Blackburn's Support for School Vouchers and Charter Schools

Blackburn has consistently supported policies that promote school vouchers and charter schools. These policies divert public funds to private and charter schools, which can undermine the financial stability of public school districts. For instance, the proposed Education Freedom Scholarship Act, backed by Governor Bill Lee and supported by Blackburn, aims to provide funds for up to 20,000 students to attend private schools or be homeschooled. Critics argue that this program could severely impact the financial stability of Tennessee's public schools by reducing the per-student funding that public schools rely on.

The Impact on Public Schools

The diversion of funds to private and charter schools can have several negative effects on public education:

• Reduced Funding: Public schools are funded based on student enrollment. When students leave public schools for private or charter schools, the funding follows them, leaving public schools with fewer resources to support the remaining students. This can lead to larger class sizes, reduced extracurricular programs, and fewer resources for students with special needs.
• Equity Concerns: School vouchers and charter schools often do not serve all students equally. Private schools can be selective in their admissions, potentially leaving behind students with disabilities, those from low-income families, and English language learners. This can exacerbate educational inequities and create a two-tiered education system.
• Lack of Accountability: Private and charter schools are not always held to the same standards and accountability measures as public schools. This can make it difficult to assess their performance and ensure that they are providing a high-quality education.

The Importance of Strong Public Schools

Strong public schools are essential for the future of Tennessee. They provide a foundation for economic growth, social mobility, and community well-being. Public schools serve all students, regardless of their background, and are accountable to the public through elected school boards and state regulations. Ensuring that public schools are well-funded and supported is crucial for the state's long-term success.

Proposing Alternative Policies to Strengthen Public Education

To strengthen public education in Tennessee, the following policies should be considered:

• Increase Public School Funding: Ensure that public schools receive adequate funding to provide high-quality education for all students. This includes increasing per-student funding, investing in school infrastructure, and providing resources for special education and support services.
• Support Teacher Salaries and Professional Development: Increase teacher salaries to attract and retain high-quality educators. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to help teachers stay current with best practices and new educational strategies.
• Expand Early Childhood Education: Invest in early childhood education programs to ensure that all children have access to high-quality preschool education. Early intervention can help close achievement gaps and set students on a path to success.
• Promote Equity and Inclusion: Implement policies that promote equity and inclusion in public schools. This includes providing additional resources for schools serving high-need populations, addressing disparities in school funding, and ensuring that all students have access to a rigorous and inclusive curriculum.
• Enhance Accountability and Transparency: Strengthen accountability measures for all schools, including private and charter schools that receive public funds. Ensure that all schools are held to high standards and that their performance is transparent to the public.

Senator Marsha Blackburn's support for school vouchers and charter schools raises significant concerns about the future of public education in Tennessee. These policies can undermine public school funding, exacerbate educational inequities, and reduce accountability. To ensure a strong future for Tennessee, it is essential to invest in and support public schools. By increasing funding, supporting teachers, expanding early childhood education, promoting equity, and enhancing accountability, we can create a public education system that serves all students and prepares them for success.