School voucher system would “erode the public school system”–Director of Schools Jennifer Fields

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – County commissioners voted in approval of a resolution against the governor’s proposed school vouchers system.

TOP PHOTO: Campbell County Commissioners stand ahead of the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

It was a joint resolution between the county commission, the Campbell County Mayor and the Campbell County Board of Education opposing the Education Freedom Act.

According to verbiage in the resolution, “school vouchers divert public funds from public schools”, and commissioners and the BOE “oppose taking funding away from public school systems.”

It goes on to state the commission believes “vouchers will result in an unfunded mandate” and that “public funds should be directed to the public school system.” 

The resolution was previously adopted by the school system through executive action on Dec. 13.

Campbell County School Director Jennifer Fields said the school voucher system would “erode the public school system.”

At last week’s commission workshop, Commissioner Rusty Orick brought up the issue of school vouchers and said he felt that the commission should “draw up a resolution in opposition.”

At that meeting, Orick said the “school voucher system would not be good for Campbell County” and that “it would be the end of public education” and have a “negative impact on the county financially.” 

At Monday’s meeting, Orick said he had spoken with Sen. Ken Yager about the issue.

“I spoke to Yager today, and I think he is going to support us in this,” Orick told fellow commissioners. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/19/2023-6AM) 

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