Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
A bill to create year-round boarding schools or “opportunity public charter schools” for “at-risk” youth in Tennessee has been pulled from behind the governor’s budget in the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee, and has been scheduled for a vote on the House floor on April 18th.
House Bill 2922 (HB2922) and the corresponding Senate Bill 2820 (SB2820) started out as a caption bill which is why the bill summary on the General Assembly’s website still relates to the Department of Education’s reporting of student allergies.
Almost a month and half after this caption bill was introduced, it was amended and became a completely different piece of legislation.
The amendment authorizes the formation of opportunity public charter schools.
According to co-sponsor William Slater (R-Gallatin-District 35), “These public schools will serve eligible students who have been historically underserved.”
The student population that this bill would be eligible to serve include the following:
• Students who have dropped out of school
• Juvenile delinquents or students who are “awaiting disposition of charges that may result in adjudication as a juvenile delinquent
• Students previously detained or incarcerated in a juvenile detention center
• Students who have been retained at least twice in Kindergarten through 8th grade or students who are a year or more behind in obtaining credits required for graduation or promotion to the next grade level
• Chronically absent students as defined in Tennessee’s ESSA plan
• Pregnant or “mothering” students
• Students with substance abuse issues
• Students experiencing abuse or neglect
According to the legislation, these “at-risk” students must fall under at least one of these demographics and come from a household whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for enrollment.
However, some republican lawmakers have serious concerns with this legislation regarding the ability of courts to usurp parental authority and mandate a student for compulsory admission to the school, which don’t properly address students with needs due to disabilities.
A large number of children who have diagnoses of intellectual, or emotional disabilities often overlap with those who have a history of behavioral issues and come from typically disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
During the legislative process, there was testimony given by subject matter experts against the legislation. One such expert was Zoe Jamail, Policy Coordinator for Disability Rights Tennessee.
Jamail said, “his bill creates a new type of congregate setting that could lead to unnecessary institutionalization of young people with disabilities and other at-risk youth in a way that interferes with parental rights. “Youth adjudicated delinquent, those with drug abuse problems, those who are pregnant, victims of abuse and students with disability could all be accepted at a year-round residential school with students aged 12 to 21 living under the same roof,” she continued. “Current law does not allow this type of residential commingling for youth in DCS custody. So why would we allow it in this context?”
Jamail added that there is no language in the bill that encourages student contact with their families, and parental involvement in shaping the learning environment. Finally, and most important perhaps, is the legitimate concern of usurpation of parental rights by the state.
Some of the most alarming language in the bill – it authorizes the creation and development of an alternative school program at one of the schools, designed specifically for forced attendance by traditional public-school students.
If a student has been expelled or suspended, the law could compel a public-school student to be placed in one of these environments.
GOP Senators Janice Bowling, Richard Briggs, Mark Pody and Joey Hensley did voice some concerns about this bill before voting against it on the Senate floor.
Rep. Bryan Richey also voiced concerns about the legislation and Representatives Scott Cepicky and Todd Warner specifically requested to be recorded as voting against the legislation in their respective House committees.
Due to the substantial fiscal note attached to the bill, it was initially placed behind the governor’s budget, in that if all the other items that needed funding were covered, this bill could then be considered for funding at that time.
This week the bill was advanced and funded and will likely be recommended for passage on the floor of the House, as it has already been passed on the Senate floor with 19 Ayes, 7 No’s and 1 Present, Not Voting.
Should any of our readers have any input they feel would be necessary to pass on to their legislators, you can locate them with this tool and contact their office either via phone, email, or both.
We will continue to update our report as developments emerge.
About the Author: Kelly Jackson is an escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers, she has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member. An outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty, Kelly also has a YouTube channel @Tennessee_Truth_Teller and is planning on expanding out to other channels soon. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
