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Cheatham County commissioners unanimously back resolution opposing governor's proposed school vouchers after public forum
Summary
Cheatham County Legislative Body voted Dec. 16, 2024 to approve a resolution urging Tennessee's General Assembly to reject the governor's proposed Education Freedom Act and similar voucher proposals. Commissioners heard multiple public comments opposing vouchers during the public forum prior to the vote.
Cheatham County commissioners on Dec. 16 unanimously approved a resolution urging the Tennessee General Assembly to reject the governor's proposed Education Freedom Act and similar school-voucher proposals.
The action followed a public forum in which five residents spoke: Gary Lee urged the commission to oppose a rezoning proposal for Knight Road; Ken Rawn, Elena Roser, Martha Wettemann and Geneva Clifton each spoke in opposition to the governor's proposed school voucher legislation. Chairman Tim Williamson opened the forum at 6:01 p.m.; the forum closed at about 6:13 p.m.
The resolution, introduced as part of the mayor's packet of items, asks the General Assembly to allocate one-half of the real-estate transfer tax to the county where it is collected and to reject voucher legislation that would divert public money to private schools. The text cites Tennessee Code Annotated § 67-4-409 and argues that voucher programs would reduce revenue available to public school systems.
The Cheatham County School Board's Dr. Cathy Beck thanked the commission later in the meeting for passing the opposing resolution and invited commissioners to the district retreat on Feb. 1, 2025.
Why it matters: County leaders framed their opposition as fiscal and local-control concerns, arguing voucher funding would compete with property-tax-dependent local school budgets and reduce dollars available for the Cheatham County School System. The motion passed by roll call vote (12 Yes, 0 No) and the county clerk recorded the resolution for official transmittal to the county's state legislators.
What commissioners said: Commissioner Chris Gilmore moved approval of the mayor's packet item that included the resolution; Commissioner Walter Weakley seconded. Dr. Beck's remarks at the meeting emphasized the school board's support for the county's action.
Next steps: The resolution directs the county chairman and clerk to send certified copies to Cheatham County's delegation in the Tennessee General Assembly. The General Assembly's consideration of any voucher bill remains pending at the state level.
