Hamilton County Schools Board of Education urges lawmakers to oppose expansion of school vouchers, approves deferred maintenance plans

The Hamilton County Schools (HCS) Board of Education passed a resolution on Thursday urging Tennessee lawmakers to oppose the expansion of school vouchers that would allow more parents in the state to use public funds for private school enrollment.

The move comes as state legislators consider expanding the school voucher program through the Education Freedom Act of 2025, which aims to establish statewide school choice by funding 20,000 private school scholarships for Tennessee students starting in the 2025-26 school year. The bill also notes that school districts will not receive less funding from the state if enrollment decreases due to the expansion of vouchers.

Some community members spoke in favor of the resolution at Thursday’s school board meeting, arguing that the voucher program would divert much-needed funding from public schools in the district. Among those who spoke against the expansion of vouchers in Hamilton County was Hamilton County Education Association President Jeannette Omarkail.

“If [parents] are dissatisfied, they already have the option to choose another school within Hamilton County,” she said, adding that she believes parents in the district already seem to be relatively satisfied with their children’s education in Hamilton County.

In addition to the discussion on vouchers, the resolution included a request for federal lawmakers to provide more funding to meet requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which moves schools to have more staff and resources to teach students with disabilities and other special needs. The resolution asks lawmakers to provide funding for programs and positions that provide students with mental health supports.

The board also approved the first phase of a $60 million bond for deferred maintenance, which includes $6 million for HVAC upgrades at Orchard Knob Middle School. As part of the plan, the board will spend up to $100,000 for architects to determine the feasibility of building expansions at schools like Orchard Knob and Thrasher Elementary.

“It’s something that has been a long time coming,” board member Ben Conner said of the plan.