Key Takeaways:

• Tennessee provides more funding per student for private school vouchers than for public school students.
• Voucher students will receive $272 more than those in public schools.
• Critics argue the state is prioritizing vouchers over improving public education.
• The funding gap sparks debate about fairness and school funding priorities.

Tennessee’s Voucher Funding: What’s the Issue?

This school year, Tennessee is giving more money to students using vouchers for private schools than to those attending public schools. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but many parents, teachers, and lawmakers are upset. They believe public school students are being left behind.

Every public school student in Tennessee will receive about $7,023 in state funding through the new education plan. But students who use the education voucher program will get $7,295 on average. That’s a $272 difference. It might not seem like much for one person, but it adds up when you think about schools with hundreds or thousands of students.

Understanding the Voucher Program

The voucher funding setup is part of Tennessee’s school choice plan, officially known as the Education Savings Account (ESA) program. It allows eligible families to use public money for private school tuition instead of attending a public school. This could include expenses like books, tutoring, and other services — as long as the money is used on education.

Proponents of the program say it gives parents more control over where their children go to school. Supporters believe that if a public school isn’t working well for a student, parents should be able to choose a better option — even if that option is private.

However, critics say it drains money away from public schools, which need more help — not less. They claim that giving more money to private school voucher students harms the students who remain in public schools.

Why Are Parents and Lawmakers Upset?

The funding difference is what has sparked the latest round of concern. Public school supporters expected the new school funding plan to be fair and balanced. However, giving more money to voucher students raised a lot of eyebrows. It makes people wonder what message the state is sending about which students they value more.

Democrats in the state, along with many education advocates, say this move is unfair. Public schools serve the majority of Tennessee students. They believe that all students should receive equal support — no matter where they go to school.

Leaders from teacher unions and parent organizations are speaking out, too. They argue that instead of empowering private schools, the state should be investing those same funds to improve struggling public schools, hire more teachers, and offer better resources.

How Does Education Funding Work in Tennessee?

Tennessee recently adopted a new education funding formula called the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA). Officials designed this plan to better reflect students’ needs. That includes extra money for students with disabilities, English language learners, and those from low-income homes.

Even though the TISA system is supposed to be flexible and modern, this new funding decision — giving more to voucher students — has shaken the trust of many people. They feel like private or for-profit schools are getting special treatment.

Meanwhile, many rural and urban public schools struggle with teacher shortages, crumbling buildings, and out-of-date textbooks. Parents want to know why those problems aren’t being addressed first.

What Supporters of Vouchers Have to Say

Not everyone sees the funding gap as a problem. Some lawmakers say $272 isn’t enough of a difference to get worked up over. They argue the cost is necessary to allow families to make different school choices. The goal, they say, is putting students first — whether they’re in public or private schools.

They believe competition among schools could help improve the quality of education overall. If public schools have to compete harder for students, they might step up their game. That’s the theory, at least.

Some parents who use the voucher program are happy with the results. They say their children are doing better, feel safer, or get more one-on-one attention in private schools.

Still, critics argue that lifting up some students shouldn’t mean leaving others behind.

Who Does This Affect Most?

The voucher funding issue affects every public school in Tennessee. Even if your school doesn’t lose funding directly, overall budgets may shrink if more students switch to private options. That could lead to job cuts, program closings, or fewer school services.

It also puts pressure on public school staff who already deal with overcrowded classrooms, limited supplies, and strict testing rules.

Families in rural areas may struggle the most. Often, no nearby private school exists, so the voucher option doesn’t work for them. That leaves rural students with fewer choices but still stuck in underfunded schools.

The Bigger Picture for Public Schools

This situation is part of a larger national debate about school vouchers and education funding across the United States. Some states allow public money to follow the student, wherever they go. Others limit vouchers or don’t allow them at all.

Advocates of public education want Tennessee — and other states — to focus more on fixing problems in public schools instead of encouraging students to leave.

They say education should not be about winners and losers. Instead, every child deserves a quality education, no matter their zip code or income level.

Can the Gap Be Fixed?

The difference in voucher funding has led to calls for change. Some lawmakers now want to adjust how much money the voucher program gives to match public school funding levels.

Others suggest entirely cutting off voucher funding or setting stricter limits on how much money can be spent per student.

As election season approaches, expect to hear more about school funding on the campaign trail. Education is often one of the top concerns for voters — especially parents.

It will be up to Tennessee leaders to decide whether this funding policy changes. But for now, the question remains: Should private school students really get more taxpayer money than public school ones?

FAQs

What is a school voucher?

A school voucher is public money that parents can use for private school tuition. It often helps families leave public schools they feel aren’t working well.

How much money do Tennessee public school students get?

Tennessee gives an average of $7,023 per public school student through its education funding formula.

Do private voucher students get more funding?

Yes. Students using the state’s voucher program receive an average of $7,295 — which is $272 more than public school students get.

Why are people upset about this?

Many believe the state should invest more in public schools instead of giving extra money to private school students. They feel it creates unfairness and hurts the majority of students.