State of Tennessee

State Senate

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Press Release

For Immediate Release Contact:  Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336
 

Senator Kelsey wins approval of Parental Choice Scholarship Pilot Program
 

(NASHVILLE, TN), January 20, 2010 – State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) won approval in the Senate Education Committee today to create a pilot program in one persistently under-performing Memphis city high school to provide “Parental Choice Scholarships” for low income students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch.  Kelsey said that the pilot project is a first step towards allowing students zoned to failing schools to have a choice of where their children go to school.
 

“These scholarships would allow low-income parents the chance for their children to receive the quality education they deserve,” said Senator Kelsey.  “Similar programs in other states have been successful, and I think it’s time that Tennessee looked at this viable alternative.”
 

The “parental choice scholarships” will be equal to the amount that state and local school systems would have spent on each child.  They can be used in the school of their choice, including charter schools, private schools, or other public schools if space is available.  The scholarship amount gradually decreases to 25% of the full amount as incomes rise up to two and a half times the eligible income for receiving free and reduced lunch.  Kelsey said the legislation could provide as much as five additional points as Tennessee competes for up to $485 million in federal funds in the “Race to the Top” competition.
 

“This bill provides poor kids with hope and real choices in what school they want to attend,” added Senator Kelsey.  “Children from wealthier families are more empowered to move to another school district or to afford a private school.  However, many local students from low income families and who are zoned to a persistently failing school do not have another recourse.  Kids shouldn’t be victims of their own geography.”
 

The legislation is built on data collected from several similar successful models, including two notable programs in the District of Columbia and Milwakee, Wisconsin.  Those receiving scholarships in Milwakee graduated 10 to 25 percent more students than their peers in traditional school programs.  Kelsey said most parents participating in the District of Columbia scholarship program who at the beginning cited safety as the key reason for moving their students, later said the quality of curriculum was the key factor in their decision to take advantage of the scholarship for their children.
 

“This bill will help the public schools by forcing them to improve to compete for their students,” said Senator Kelsey.  “Even the students who choose to stay at the public school to which they are zoned will receive a benefit from this legislation.”
 

The public school system will receive a windfall in funding when certain students leave the system but don’t take 100% of the funding that was being spent on educating them.  The difference between the partial scholarship amount and the full amount will be left with the public schools, who will not be responsible for educating those particular students.
 

“The vast majority of parents want a quality education for their children, regardless of their personal finances or situation,” added Senator Kelsey.  “This legislation engages these parents to have a major role in their child’s education by giving them a choice about what school they will attend.”
 

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