March 22, 2019 1:00pm

Knoxville Power Poll Shows Opposition to Gov. Lee's Education Proposals

Power Polls statewide also show opposition to his plans on vouchers and charter schools

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Knoxville, TN Correspondent
 
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A Power Poll survey of Knoxville leaders shows that a majority oppose Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s proposals for a school voucher plan and for granting the state greater authority in approving charter school applications.

Power Poll members, who are composed of influential residents here, oppose both in the most recent Compass Knoxville Power Poll survey. The margin of opposition in the Power Poll numbers only highlights the controversy over the issues as they advance amid heated debate in the Tennessee General Assembly.

When asked, “What do you think of Lee’s plan to introduce school vouchers in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson?,” 62 percent of Knoxville Power Poll members said they are opposed. Twenty-nine percent said they are in favor. And 8 percent said they “don’t know.”

When asked, “What do you think of Lee’s plan to allow charter school operators to bypass their local school boards for approval and seek approval from the state instead?,” 62 percent said they are opposed, 31 percent said they are in support, and 7 percent said they “don’t know.”

The Power Poll is not a scientific survey. But it is designed to offer insights into what community leaders think about current issues and events. Power Poll members are capable of steering a city’s, or state’s, discussion one way or another. Members come from a variety of fields, including politics and government, the private sector, nonprofits, the religious community, and more.

This month’s poll was underwritten by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Click here to view the list of Knoxville Power Poll members.

Power Poll members in Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga answered the same survey questions. The total statewide Power Poll response in the state’s four largest cities showed opposition to the voucher plan at 57 percent, support at 35 percent, and “don’t know” at 8 percent. As to the charter schools proposal, 58 percent were opposed, 36 percent were in favor, and 6 percent were undecided.

ANALYSIS

Lee’s proposals to broaden school choice by introducing vouchers and easing the charter school approval process have emerged as his most visible and hard fought policy issue in his new administration.

The voucher plan would create education savings accounts (ESAs) in Tennessee, which would provide public money to parents allowing them to choose educational options other than traditional public schools. Those options would include private schools and various online education programs. Earlier this week, the ESA measure passed its first test when it was approved by a House Education subcommittee.

Lee’s plan calls for allocating $75 million for ESAs over the next three years, with the plan initially targeting some 5,000 students in the 2021-22 school year. The program would expand by 2,500 students a year.

Ultimately about 15,000 students in Jackson, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga would be eligible to participate. Eligibility would be limited to students who attend schools in districts marred by poor performance.

The charter school bill has cleared the full House and Senate Education committees but was significantly amended. Lee's intention on the charter bill was to bypass the process by which charter school operators apply to their local school boards for approval and seek approval from the state instead. However, as amended, the bill still requires local board consideration of charters.

Proponents of both measures include a number of pro-reform education activists who argue that vouchers and additional charters make greater choice available to students, particularly those students zoned for low-performing schools. They argue that many who stand to benefit are from low-income families who often don’t have the resources to attend private institutions with better educational track records.

Opponents at the House legislative subcommittee this week peppered proponents with questions about how those using the voucher plan would find transportation to attend private schools. They voiced concerns about testing that would be conducted to track outcomes. And they also asked sponsors how the funds in the ESAs would be distributed to the parents of the students and what steps would be taken to prevent fraud.

In past legislative sessions, voucher proposals have faced strong resistance. But this is the first instance in which a governor has thrown his political clout behind such a plan, giving it a greater likelihood of success.

What the Survey Says Statewide

Here is a breakdown of how Power Poll members across the state responded to the questions:

QUESTION: “What do you think of Lee’s plan to introduce school vouchers in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson?

Chattanooga: 49 percent oppose; 45 percent support; 6 percent don’t know

Nashville: 58 percent oppose; 34 percent support; 8 percent don't know

Knoxville: 62 percent oppose; 29 percent support; 8 percent don’t know

Memphis: 54 percent oppose; 38 percent support; 8 percent don’t know

 

QUESTION: “What do you think of Lee’s plan to allow charter school operators to bypass their local school boards for approval and seek approval from the state instead?

Chattanooga: 51 percent oppose; 43 percent support; 6 percent don’t know

Nashville: 59 percent oppose; 36 percent support; 5 percent don’t know

Knoxville: 62 percent oppose; 31 percent support; 7 percent don’t know

Memphis: 54 percent oppose; 31 percent support; 15 percent don’t know

 

Power Poll Members: Do you have a friend or colleague who should be on Power Poll? Please invite them to join!

About Power Poll: Power Poll asks questions of the most powerful, influential people in U.S. cities. It is not a scientific survey. But because the people responding to the surveys comprise the leadership structure of their cities, the results afford a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts, opinions, and beliefs of those in a position to make change. Power Poll is distinctly nonpartisan.

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