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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tennessee State Board of Education held a public hearing Monday, May 12, about the rules on the Education Freedom Scholarship program, also known as the school voucher program. Despite the controversy surrounding the new law, the hearing lasted less than 10 minutes and drew only one comment, a question that went unanswered publicly.
The hearing gave families and stakeholders a final opportunity to weigh in on the proposed rules before the board’s scheduled vote on a final reading at the end of the month. However, no formal statements or feedback were submitted.
The program allows up to 20,000 Tennessee families to apply for scholarships worth nearly $7,300 to help cover private school tuition and other educational expenses. Enrollment opens at noon Thursday, May 15.
Dr. Chris Fay with Catholic Schools of Memphis, told ABC24 their school system has seen growing interest in the program from current families. His office sent information about the scholarship campaign to more than 50,000 households.
“There’s a little bit of buzz, especially with our current families, and we’re certainly excited because we’re for school choice,” said Fay.
Catholic Schools of Memphis currently serves about 3,100 students. Dr. Fay said that the number of additional students they can accommodate through the voucher program varies by campus; some schools are able to accept as many as 600 new students, while others are limited to around 300. Fay said the state distributes funds on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“I think it’s more likely that they’ll receive those scholarship dollars,” he said. “In terms of us enrolling families, once again, it comes down to each individual school. If there’s space available and the family has the funds available that process can go until July.”
To qualify, families must provide:
– Proof of Tennessee residency (two documents required)
– Proof of U.S. citizenship (one document) or lawful presence in the U.S. (two documents)
– Verification that the student has spent no more than 13 years in school and is entering grades K-12
– Proof that the student is at least five years old by Sept. 30, 2025
– Income documentation or proof of eligibility for an Individualized Education Account (IEA) or Education Savings Account (ESA)
The school voucher program has drawn criticism and concern from groups like the NAACP. Kermit Moore, president of the NAACP’s Memphis branch, questioned whether the state would equitably distribute the funds.
“Are all of it going to be Christian schools or will Muslims be able to sign up for their schools?” Moore asked. “I want to know, I want to see if it’s fair and equitable for all.”
The State Board of Education is set to vote on the final rules for the Education Freedom Scholarship May 30. A representative told ABC24, that if the rules are not approved, the board has until September to finalize them before permanent regulations must be in place.
