Oak Ridge board adopts amended resolution opposing Education Freedom Scholarship Act, 4-1

The Oak Ridge Board of Education voted 4 to 1 on Jan. 14 to approve a resolution opposing Governor Bill Lee—s Education Freedom Scholarship Act after adopting an amendment that softened language in the document.

The resolution was presented under the superintendent—s recommendation and a motion to approve was made and seconded by board members Erin Webb and Ashley Craven, respectively. During discussion, a board member proposed amendments that would insert the word "could" before language saying vouchers and education savings accounts "threaten" the district—s ability, and strike a clause that said the program would "disrupt local control of education." The board voted to adopt the amendment before taking the final roll-call on the measure.

Supporters of the amendment cited recent Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) guidance and the mechanics of charter-application review as reasons to soften the resolution—s language. Opponents argued for keeping clearer, firmer language expressing opposition to voucher-like programs.

After the amendment passed, the board voted on the resolution as amended. The chair announced the motion carried 4 to 1.

The board did not record individual yea/nay votes in the public record during the roll call; the tally was announced by the chair. The superintendent introduced the resolution and board members discussed the potential impacts, but no additional formal actions (such as referral to committee) were taken at the meeting.

The board said it will continue tracking the bill as it moves through the Tennessee General Assembly and discuss further liaison updates at the next meeting.