Letter: Public funds for private schools is losing proposition for communities | OPINION

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Contributed commentary by Dr. Tanisha M. Taylor of Clarksville:

I am a public school teacher, a homeowner, and a tax-paying citizen. Therefore, I have a vested interest in the well-being of our public education system, as well as my community. This push
for expanding the state voucher program, which will send public funds to private schools, undermines both. This system has not only failed to deliver on its promises in other states, but it also erodes the foundation of public education, leaves taxpayers footing an unfair bill, and neglects the broader societal – as well as our state constitutional – obligations of education.

Why should a system that serves so few be at the expense of the many? More than 90% of Tennessee students attend public schools. Instead of funneling public funds from public schools to fund an unproven system, we should invest in improving the schools that serve the majority of our state’s children.

Public schools for public good

Public schools, which have never been fully funded, accept everyone. Public schools, which are one of our country’s most democratic institutions, are designed to serve every child regardless of
ability, background or socioeconomic status. The very system which is intended to provide equal opportunity for all is harmed when public funds that could be used to support this institution are redirected to private schools through vouchers.

“Parent choice” is a misnomer, as private schools are the ones doing the choosing. They are not required to accept any or all students who apply. They are allowed to turn away children due to a variety of factors, including those who have special needs/disabilities and/or behavioral challenges. Using public funding for vouchers will leave public schools to manage these students with fewer resources. These public funds could go towards ensuring that every public school is a place where all students can thrive.

As a teacher and a product of the public school system, I get to witness firsthand the admirable work public schools do, even with limited funding. Public schools are a lifeline for many families, which became even more apparent during COVID. Public schools are often the heart of a neighborhood, offering meals, counseling, special education services, and extracurricular opportunities. They are community hubs and bring together families. Vouchers are a threat to this incredible work and sense of collective responsibility.

Furthermore, this creates a slippery slope. Despite having no children of my own, I am proud to contribute to the public goods that serve our society, including public schools. However, if we start to allow public funds to subsidize private education, what’s next? Public funding for country clubs and for-profit recreational facilities over public parks and community centers? Public funding for private transportation over public transportation and roads?

Unfair to taxpayers

As a homeowner, I contribute to property taxes that fund public education. It is understood that despite not using the schools as a childless person, we all benefit from the work of our local schools. We need an educated populace, and schools prepare future generations of people who can grow up and contribute to our economic and societal framework.

Vouchers, however, divert these tax dollars to private institutions that lack public accountability and are not required to follow the regulations required of public institutions. Private schools are not required to disclose how they use public funds or meet the same transparency standards as public schools. This lack of oversight has led to financial misuse and waste and will likely be the same here. Why should our hard-earned dollars provide funds to private entities that are not accountable to the public?

Public funds belong in public schools. It is that simple. Some supporters of vouchers say that students will do better academically in private institutions; however, the results from various states and studies say differently. Therefore, there is no true benefit to taxpayers or the children of Tennessee.

This is a grift, plain and simple, which is obvious to Tennesseans on both sides of the political spectrum. If only our governor would listen to his people!

Dr. Tanisha M. Taylor