A recent poll from the TennesseeCAN Action Fund shows support among 500 likely Republican voters for expanding the Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program (EFA). The poll was conducted from June 8-10, and the survey reflects a desire for expansion. However, we must question whether this is wise before the program has even launched or been evaluated.
The EFA aims to provide 20,000 scholarships worth about $7,295 each for the 2025-2026 school year, with nearly 38,000 families applying, about half of whom are likely to meet income criteria. However, the poll's timing raises doubts about the survey of “500 likely GOP voters” understanding of the issue and the consequences of hasty actions.
While 66% of respondents back extending the EFA, and 70% trust parents to make educational choices, the issue of school choice often suffers from vague rhetoric. Clarity is essential.
Concerningly, only 31% rate Tennessee's education as "excellent" or "good," prompting scrutiny of policymakers, including Governor Bill Lee, over the past seven years. Accountability for their decisions is crucial.
Chelsea Crawford, TennesseeCAN Action Fund’s executive director, previously served as chief of staff to Penny Schwinn at the Tennessee Department of Education. Given her four years in leadership at the Tennessee Department of Education, should she also be held accountable for the education system's perceived shortcomings? It’s a fair question.
Polls can offer insights but may be manipulated to fit political agendas, making careful interpretation vital. The EFA raises significant transparency and accountability concerns. Supporters and critics alike need to ensure accountability for taxpayer dollars.
To spend money wisely, we must demand clarity in funding and safeguard against mismanagement. Every dollar should lead to genuine improvements in student performance for all taxpayer-funded programs. If the program is here to stay, supporters should recognize the need for a measured approach that upholds accountability and transparency, core tenets of conservative values.
The program's lack of requirements for families to disclose prior school enrollment could skew benefits toward those already in private education. A fiscal analysis suggests that up to 65% of vouchers may favor these families, and the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has not clarified data collection practices, raising oversight concerns.
Additionally, the management of $7,295 scholarships is troubling, with some key TDOE positions still unfilled, increasing fraud risk. Student First Technologies, the program vendor, has faced challenges in similar programs in other states, casting doubt on the EFA's effectiveness. A careful evaluation of their delivery of services should occur regularly.
Conservatives must champion accountability and transparency in taxpayer spending. Enhanced transparency within the EFA is essential, with robust data collection necessary for evaluating its success or failure.
Advocating for expanding the untested EFA program without measurable results based solely on polling data would be premature. Thoughtful deliberation must take precedence over expedient action as we address any critical educational issue, especially as we head into an election year in 2026.
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JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee.