A battle over classrooms is now headed to the courtroom, as a group of Tennessee parents is suing the state over the new universal private school voucher program.
The program provides families about $7,000 per child to attend a private school of their choice. The lawsuit argues the law violates the Education Clause of the Tennessee Constitution by diverting public funds to private schools that do not have to follow state academic standards, meet accountability requirements, or guarantee equal access for every student across the state.
One of the plaintiffs is Jill Smiley, a Rutherford County parent and former teacher. Smiley said she chose public schools because of their strong reputation and now worries about what she sees as a growing threat to their future.
“I taught for 12 years, and I fought to get my children into Rutherford County Schools because I knew the quality of education here," Smiley said. "Now the state is systematically defunding the very schools families like mine depend on. You can’t expect excellent schools on a shrinking budget.”
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Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
