Senate Applauded for Supporting Fair Access to Public School Choice

NASHVILLE – Tennesseans for Student Success today released the following statement after the Tennessee Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 0328 to reduce barriers that families face when enrolling their children in public schools outside of their zoned schools, also known as open enrollment: 

"Today's vote is an important step forward to truly provide more opportunities and choices to all public school students," said Lana Skelo, President and CEO of Tennesseans for Student Success. "The current open enrollment process lacks the consistency and fairness that families deserve. This legislation will correct that by providing parents with greater flexibility to send their children to schools outside their zoned district and ensure that student success isn't limited by a zip code or bureaucratically drawn line."  

Sponsored by Senators Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, and Dawn White, R-Murfreesboro, Senate Bill 0328 will extend the open enrollment application period to 45 days and create an appeal process for students who are denied. School districts would not be required to accept nonresident students if they lack available space for them or provide transportation. 

February polling conducted by TSS shows 82.3% of Tennessee voters confirmed their support of this policy when asked, “Do you support allowing students to enroll in public schools outside of their zoned school when space is available?” 

The House K-12 Subcommittee is scheduled to vote on that chamber's  version of the bill next week, which is sponsored by Representative William Slater, R-Gallatin.