School choice

MSCS leaders recommended combining Lucy Elementary School with Woodstock Middle to fill more seats. But parents worry about safety issues caused by big student age gaps.

It’s not clear how many new vouchers will be available for Tennessee students next year. The state’s prioritization of applicants will look quite different compared to the first year of the Education Freedom Scholarships program.

The lawsuit marks the first legal challenge to the Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which gave $7,295 in public tax dollars this fall to 20,000 Tennessee students.

The Tennessee Charter Commission decision means Kirby Middle School and Hillcrest High School will return to local control under the Memphis-Shelby County school system. What will happen to the schools and hundreds of students isn’t clear.

One education advocate says more data is needed to ensure the program is benefiting Tennessee children equally.

How many students are enrolled in Tennessee’s new voucher program? The state won’t say.

Experts point to factors like surges in private and homeschool options and general population decreases. The losses come with big implications for Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ budget and impending school closures.

Tennessee will spend an average of $7,023 per public school student, nearly $300 less than a new private school voucher. Though public school students will receive more public funds overall given a local government contribution, Democrats and education advocates are criticizing the disparity.

Tennessee isn’t asking where the participants were enrolled before, so it won’t know how many vouchers are going to existing private school students.

Tennessee received over 33,000 applications just hours after it launched the voucher program, which Gov. Bill Lee applauded.

Two groups want to open the first charter schools for at-risk students under a new state law.

The planning foreshadows changes ahead for the state’s most ambitious and aggressive school turnaround model

A state panel, whose members are appointed by Gov. Bill Lee, would have more authority over charter growth.

Questions emerge about which company will manage the program, and how the state will verify students’ legal residency.

Lawmakers defeat amendments seeking to strengthen accountability and protections for students with disabilities.

Statewide plan is for all kids, not just disadvantaged ones, says sponsor

65% of vouchers would likely go to students who already attend private schools, the analysis says.

Disaster relief and preparations for Trump immigration policy will also be on the agenda.