USA – Jasour – News Desk
In Nashville, Tenn, Critics of the school voucher bill are claiming it does not meet the needs of special education students. They said there is not enough funding in private schools to meet the needs of children with disabilities versus special needs programs in public schools. Supporters of the vouchers argue let families choose which type of school better suits their needs. School choice is top of mind for Tennessee Republicans. The Education Freedom Act of 2025 offers 20,000 students around $7,000 to give them the option to go to private schools.
But where does this leave students with special needs?
Former special education teacher and CEO of Professional Educators of Tennessee JC Bowman said it excludes them. “A $7,000 voucher really will not meet the needs of most special education children,” he said. Education experts like Bowman said since private schools don’t get as much state money as public schools to meet the needs of students with disabilities, it forces parents to send their kids to public schools. Private schools aren’t under an obligation to spend money set aside for special needs programs.
We turned to Brian Clontz, a parent with a special needs child who went to a private school for his perspective. He supports the school voucher program, despite the opposition. “I don’t want to be told this is what is best for my kid. I want to choose what is best for my kid,” he said. His son Tristan Clontz has autism. Brian said Tristan did online classes with his private school which was essential to his education.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson’s staff told FOX 17 News only students enrolled as non-home students in a Category 1,2,3 private school are eligible for an Education Freedom Scholarship. Meaning, Brian’s son would not have been eligible for the scholarship since it excludes those who are home-schooled. “I don’t think it’s fair,” said Brian, “But on the flip side it’s our money it is our tax dollars we should be able to decide what’s best for our children.” Clontz and Bowman said the bill needs to be fine-tuned before they can sign off on it, but believe in school choice.
