A significant political alignment emerges as Tennessee's top executive weighs in on the future of American education under Trump's leadership.
According to Fox News, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has expressed strong support for President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education while simultaneously introducing a new school choice bill in his state.
The governor's endorsement comes at a crucial time when state-level education reforms are gaining momentum across the country. Lee's backing of Trump's educational vision coincides with the introduction of his own Education Freedom Act of 2025, which aims to revolutionize school choice options in Tennessee. The proposal represents a significant shift in educational policy, building upon the momentum of Trump's recent electoral victory.
Lee, speaking about his support for dismantling the federal education department, emphasized the importance of state autonomy in educational matters. According to the governor:
I think it is a great idea to dismantle the Department of Education federally. And I'm a strong believer that policy at the state level should be handled by states, that states know best. In this case, states certainly know best. We know best in Tennessee what our children need and how best to educate our kids.
The governor's new school choice initiative would provide up to 20,000 scholarships valued at approximately $7,000 each for the upcoming school year. The program prioritizes accessibility by reserving the first 10,000 scholarships for students from low-income families. These funds can be utilized for various educational expenses, including tuition, tutoring, technology, and examination costs.
Lee emphasized that his proposed legislation goes beyond just offering school choice options. The comprehensive education policy initiative includes substantial funding for public schools, teacher bonuses, and a commitment to placing Tennessee among the top 15 states for teacher compensation.
The governor highlighted the growing national trend toward school choice, noting that approximately 30 states have already implemented such programs, with 12 states offering universal school choice. This movement has gained particular momentum in recent years, reflecting changing attitudes toward educational options.
Lee directly addressed common criticisms of school choice initiatives, particularly the concern that they might disadvantage public schools. He argued that his legislation actually strengthens public education through various support measures, including facility improvements funded by sports gambling revenue and teacher bonuses.
The timing of the bill's introduction appears strategic, following Trump's electoral victory and a wave of successful pro-school choice candidates at the state level. This political environment marks a significant shift from earlier in the year when Lee's previous school choice proposal failed to pass the state legislature.
The governor expressed optimism about working with the incoming Trump administration on educational reform. He emphasized that any transition away from federal control would likely take several years to implement effectively.
Lee drew from his personal experience, noting that his own education in Tennessee preceded the establishment of the U.S. Department of Education in 1979. He pointed to Tennessee's current success in creating funding formulas that address specific educational needs, including support for students with disabilities, dyslexia, and English language learners.
The proposal also includes provisions for addressing recent challenges, such as the impact of Hurricane Helene. The bill allocates state funds from sports gambling revenue for public school construction and maintenance, while also offering $2,000 one-time bonuses to teachers and additional funding for districts experiencing enrollment changes.
Governor Bill Lee's endorsement of Trump's plan to dissolve the federal Department of Education represents a significant development in the national debate over educational reform. The Tennessee governor's simultaneous introduction of a comprehensive school choice bill demonstrates the practical implementation of state-level educational autonomy. The success of Lee's new proposal, following the failure of his previous attempt, will serve as an important indicator of the changing political landscape surrounding educational reform.
