Tennessee Board of Education holds hearing on Education Freedom Scholarships rules

The Tennessee State Board of Education held a pivotal rulemaking hearing on May 12, 2025, focusing on the implementation of Education Freedom Scholarships (EFS). This program aims to provide state scholarship funds to students attending certain private schools, marking a significant shift in school choice policy within the state.

Rachel Soupeh, the board's general counsel, opened the session by outlining the purpose of the hearing: to gather public feedback on proposed rules governing the EFS program. The rules are designed to establish a framework for the scholarship program, including defining key terms, application processes, and eligibility criteria. Soupeh emphasized that while private schools participating in the EFS program will maintain their autonomy, the rules are tailored to enforce specific requirements without expanding state regulatory authority.

During the public comment segment, attendees were invited to share their thoughts on the proposed rules. However, participation was limited, with only one online attendee, Jessica, posing a question about scholarship amounts. Soupeh clarified that detailed discussions on scholarship specifics would occur outside the hearing, as the focus was solely on gathering comments regarding the rules.

The board is expected to vote on the final reading of these rules at its quarterly meeting on May 30, 2025. If approved, the rules will undergo a review by the attorney general's office before being published for public access. This process is crucial as it sets the stage for the EFS program's rollout, which could reshape educational opportunities for many Tennessee students.

The hearing concluded with a reminder for attendees to submit any additional written comments by May 16, ensuring that all voices are heard before the board's final decision. The outcome of this initiative could have lasting implications for school choice in Tennessee, making it a topic to watch closely in the coming weeks.