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To the Editor:

For months, East Tennesseans have been reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It is high time to address the needs of families and communities that are suffering.

While the General Assembly considers measures to support those recovering from a natural disaster, they should refrain from creating a man-made disaster. Reducing the state’s support of public schools to pay for vouchers will leave local governments to try to make up the difference. They’ll be forced to decide whether to raise taxes locally or reduce services, which can mean firing teachers and closing schools.

Small towns can’t afford to lose their public schools – where more than 90% of students are educated – because of vouchers. Rural communities depend on local public schools to do more than just educate their students – they serve as community gathering places and are often the largest employer. During the days and weeks immediately following the flooding in East Tennessee, public schools served as hubs for distribution of aid to hurting Tennesseans.

Governor Lee should focus on helping our neighbors, not pushing his statewide voucher scheme backed by out-of-state special interests.

 

Tanya T. Coats, TEA President

Knoxville