Gov. Bill Lee's school choice plan faces opposition from public schools in Tennessee

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — Concerns are mounting over Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee's push to pass universal school choice.

Steve Starnes, director of Greeneville City Schools says a strong public education system is the cornerstone of the United States.

He tells News 5 at a recent meeting, the Greeneville City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution opposing vouchers.

"In a nutshell, I guess you would say is, we are opposed to any form of vouchers. We believe that public funds should be sent to public schools," said Starnes. "The board is very adamant, again, just like I've stated, that they feel that public dollars should go to public schools."

In Gov. Lee's proposed plan, funds would be offered to 20,000 students to attend private school or be homeschooled.

It's something private school leaders say is beneficial, allowing parents to decide what they believe is best for their child.

"It kind of takes the financial limitations of the financial burden of doing so off the table and says, hey, parents, with a clear conscience, with a clear mind, I know I've evaluated what options are available to me in my area and I've made the best decision for my child," said Britt Stone, head of schools, Boones Creek Christian Academy and Tri-Cities Christian Academy.

But public school officials are worried about the potential impact in funding.

Right now, districts receive funding per student, through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement Formula, or TISA.

"Even if it's as something as small as 10 students that took a voucher and left the system, you are potentially talking about the funding for the salary, taxes and benefits for one teacher," said Starnes. "When we lose that funding, when you spread 10 students across the district in multiple students, it doesn't lessen our demand for teachers or infrastructure costs or any of those types of things. I think the potential if you lose 20 students, it's the cost of a school bus."

News 5 asked Starnes if he has talked with his counterparts in neighboring districts.

"As we talk not only in the region, but across the state -- Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents, Tennessee School Boards Association, all are adamantly opposed to this type of legislation," said Starnes."