CEA representative thanks Collierville board for opposing voucher-style Education Freedom Act

During the public-comment period on Feb. 25, Shannon Cohen, speaking on behalf of the Colorado Education Association (as stated on the record), thanked the Collierville School Board for adopting a resolution opposing the diversion of public funds to private schools under the Education Freedom Act of 02/2025.

Cohen said assurances that public schools would not be harmed by programs that send public money to private schools are "difficult, if not impossible, to keep based on what we've seen in other states who have created similar programs," and she urged continued vigilance. She also thanked Chairman Cox for discussions about how legislation being considered in Nashville could affect the local district.

Chairman Cox and other board members acknowledged the comment and noted the board's responsibility to communicate with legislators and to work through state associations to monitor pending lawmaking. The superintendent and board members said they would continue conversations with legislators and their associations about the local impacts of state legislation.

The comment occurred during the public-comment section of the meeting and was not a board action; board members described the matter as one of ongoing advocacy and information-sharing with legislators and state associations.