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By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

The Carter County Board of Education voted once again to oppose Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Act.

On Thursday evening, the board met to discuss Lee’s Education Freedom Act, which provides public funding for private school tuition. Board members joined other area school boards in Sullivan County and Washington County to oppose the proposal.

The Carter County board also opposed the private school voucher program last year when the governor pushed the legislation. Lee is asking the General Assembly to return to session on Jan. 27 to vote on the act. The special session will also include the discussion of disaster relief funding.

Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby and six other county mayors in Northeast Tennessee issued a statement earlier this week saying they support the Education Freedom Act.

Board Chair Terry Hubbard read the resolution into the record before the board voted. The resolution says the county enrolls everyone who seeks an education.

It states that all education institutions should have the same level of academics and transparency that public schools have, the resolution states. Private institutions do not have the same transparency or programs as public schools, it adds.

In addition, the resolution says that diverting funds from public schools to private schools could affect public schools’ ability to maintain stability.

The resolution asks the General Assembly to reject any such legislation.

“This is for the kids,” said Board Member Danny Ward, who made a motion to accept the resolution. Ward said he believes the voucher system would take public money away from schools. He asked how public schools could offer the programs currently available for students.

Six board members approved the resolution. Board Member Keith Bowers Sr. abstained.

Ward said the school board should do its best to make sure the legislation does not pass in Nashville. He asked residents to contact their state representatives in regards to the Education Freedom Act.

Hubbard, a retired educator, said she is extremely proud of everyone in public education.

“We are doing it for the children,” Hubbard said.

Superintendent Brandon Carpenter also informed the board that Lee is asking the General Assembly to provide $20 million to Carter County for Hampton High School. The school received extensive damage during Hurricane Helene and may need to be rebuilt.

Carpenter said he does not believe the $20 million is contingency on the Education Freedom Act. He said he learned about the governor’s proposal on Wednesday and he expects to learn more information.

The board also decided to hold a special-called meeting on Jan. 23 to talk about the school calendar. Carter County has missed numerous school days this year due to the hurricane and winter weather.

Hubbard noted that winter is not yet over.