Back in 2015, we reported on how those nasty astro-turf groups packed the House during the Individualized Education Account (IEA) Voucher bill hearing with their yellow-scarf-wearing-probably-paid-shills begging the legislators to help their children.
Remember Warrior Mom?
Remember Warrior Mom?
So, Warrior Mom, Dusty Webb, (really? that's her name?) begged Tennessee legislators to pass the IEA voucher bill in 2015. "I need your money," the ringer for Michelle Rhee's Students First (now known as TennesseeCAN) told the House Instruction & Programs Education Committee. Webb wanted Tennessee taxpayers to foot the bill for her son, Josh's private school education at Bachman Academy, a school that offered horseback riding and fishing ponds.
Coincidentally, Bachman Academy with the help of the national School Choice Week group hosted a school-choice event around that same time where Headmaster, Mark Frizzell called public education "a mess" as he urged the state legislature to fund private schools.
Coincidentally, Bachman Academy with the help of the national School Choice Week group hosted a school-choice event around that same time where Headmaster, Mark Frizzell called public education "a mess" as he urged the state legislature to fund private schools.
The IEA voucher bill passed in 2015 thanks to the staged efforts of Warrior Mom, Headmaster Frizzell, and the faux parent organizations. But how much did Josh really benefit from IEA? Only a handful of students received IEA vouchers that first year and less than 150 students statewide receive them now. Parents have to jump through an enormous amount of hoops to apply for the program and there is a lot a bureaucracy to stay enrolled.
So, what about Josh? The IEA program did not go into effect until January, 2017, nearly two years after Warrior Mom begged for her son's tuition voucher. Then, just a few month after IEAs became available, Josh's school, Bachman Academy suddenly closed and sold its property. Yup, the school, that was supposed to save Josh from the horrors of public education, kicked him to the curb within a few months. Student enrollment at Bachman Academy had dwindled down to just 21 pupils while the school continued to employ 30 faculty members according to this news report. And to think, the Headmaster called public schools a mess. Seriously?
Again, what about Josh? Well, if Warrior Mom has an IEA voucher, she can only use it at two schools in Tennessee. That's right, TDOE has only approved two high schools for IEAs: The King's Daughter's School and Silverdale Baptist Academy. You can see the full list of approved schools here. Hint: there are only 5 in the entire state. None in Nashville. None in Knoxville. Only a preschool in Memphis. So much for helping the inner-city children.
The IEA experiment proves what we already know…..using public school dollars to prop up insolvent private schools is a financial disaster. The private schools close anyway leaving students displaced. And public schools are out their BEP money. And that's exactly what happened with Warrior Mom's IEA voucher.
So, what about Josh? The IEA program did not go into effect until January, 2017, nearly two years after Warrior Mom begged for her son's tuition voucher. Then, just a few month after IEAs became available, Josh's school, Bachman Academy suddenly closed and sold its property. Yup, the school, that was supposed to save Josh from the horrors of public education, kicked him to the curb within a few months. Student enrollment at Bachman Academy had dwindled down to just 21 pupils while the school continued to employ 30 faculty members according to this news report. And to think, the Headmaster called public schools a mess. Seriously?
Again, what about Josh? Well, if Warrior Mom has an IEA voucher, she can only use it at two schools in Tennessee. That's right, TDOE has only approved two high schools for IEAs: The King's Daughter's School and Silverdale Baptist Academy. You can see the full list of approved schools here. Hint: there are only 5 in the entire state. None in Nashville. None in Knoxville. Only a preschool in Memphis. So much for helping the inner-city children.
The IEA experiment proves what we already know…..using public school dollars to prop up insolvent private schools is a financial disaster. The private schools close anyway leaving students displaced. And public schools are out their BEP money. And that's exactly what happened with Warrior Mom's IEA voucher.
Time for Lawmakers to hear from Real Parents, Real Teachers
Our legislators need to hear from us. Unlike out-of-state lobbyists and paid shills who pushed through the IEA voucher bill in 2015, we are real parents, real taxpayers and real voters!!
We need to be heard this time around!! So, gas up the minivans, pack some snacks, and bring the kids, Momma Bears, it's time for us to ROAR!!!
We are taking a road trip to Nashville this week so our voices will be heard at the state Capitol.
Tuesday, April 9— Rally & Press Conference at Noon
On Tuesday, April 9th, a rally will take place at noon then a press conference will be held at 12:30. All events will be in Legislative Plaza outside the State Capitol. Come and join the fun!! Show your support for public education and let lawmakers know that we oppose the ESA voucher bill (HB939/SB795). We recommend that you carpool if at all possible since parking is hard to find in downtown Nashville. Check out this interactive map for parking lots.
We need to be heard this time around!! So, gas up the minivans, pack some snacks, and bring the kids, Momma Bears, it's time for us to ROAR!!!
We are taking a road trip to Nashville this week so our voices will be heard at the state Capitol.
Tuesday, April 9— Rally & Press Conference at Noon
On Tuesday, April 9th, a rally will take place at noon then a press conference will be held at 12:30. All events will be in Legislative Plaza outside the State Capitol. Come and join the fun!! Show your support for public education and let lawmakers know that we oppose the ESA voucher bill (HB939/SB795). We recommend that you carpool if at all possible since parking is hard to find in downtown Nashville. Check out this interactive map for parking lots.
Wednesday, April 10— Attend Sub-Committee Voucher Vote
On Wednesday, April 10th, the ESA voucher bill will be heard by the House Finance, Ways, and Means Sub-Committee in the Cordell Hull Building, House Hearing Room 3 at 11:00am. It is open to the public and we encourage you to attend. You may park in the TEA parking lot and catch a shuttle to the Capitol. TEA Address is 801 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
No Time for a Road Trip? No Problem.
Hey, we understand. It's hard for Momma Bears to drop everything and go to Nashville. But you can still make your voice heard. How?
Call the Governor's Office at (615) 741-2001 and tell them that you don't want ESA vouchers in Tennessee. And tell them that you are a Momma Bear!!! Need a script? We got you….
Hello, I am ___________________________________ and I live in __________________________________. Please let the Governor know that this momma bear loves public schools and does not support school vouchers. I will urge my state legislators to vote against the ESA voucher bill. Thank you for taking my call.
Then, e-mail the members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Sub-Committee and the Senate Education Committee. Tell them to vote NO on HB939/SB795. Explain that Article XI, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution requires them to provide for the maintenance and support of a system of free public schools. Let them know that you strongly object to any legislation that will erode support for our public schools especially the ESA voucher bill that takes away public school funding and places that money into the hands of private schools. Remind them that you are a Momma Bear who votes!!
Call the Governor's Office at (615) 741-2001 and tell them that you don't want ESA vouchers in Tennessee. And tell them that you are a Momma Bear!!! Need a script? We got you….
Hello, I am ___________________________________ and I live in __________________________________. Please let the Governor know that this momma bear loves public schools and does not support school vouchers. I will urge my state legislators to vote against the ESA voucher bill. Thank you for taking my call.
Then, e-mail the members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Sub-Committee and the Senate Education Committee. Tell them to vote NO on HB939/SB795. Explain that Article XI, Section 12 of the Tennessee Constitution requires them to provide for the maintenance and support of a system of free public schools. Let them know that you strongly object to any legislation that will erode support for our public schools especially the ESA voucher bill that takes away public school funding and places that money into the hands of private schools. Remind them that you are a Momma Bear who votes!!
We expect there will be more events planned as we head towards a floor vote. So stay tuned to Momma Bears!!
#SharetheBear
#SharetheBear
