From the desk of Kip Capley:
Why I Supported the Educational Freedom Act
On Thursday, I cast my vote in favor of the Educational Freedom Act in the Tennessee Legislature. This decision came after weeks of careful thought, in-depth research, and countless conversations with constituents. Some urged me to vote “yes,” others strongly opposed the bill, and many simply asked me to do what I believed was right for our district. I took that responsibility seriously.
Over the past two years, Tennessee has debated multiple school choice proposals. While some see this as an opportunity to give parents more control over their child’s education, others worry it could divert funds away from public schools. I have always stood firm in my belief that public education must be protected and strengthened. In previous years, I have been hesitant to support school choice legislation because it lacked critical safeguards for public school funding. But this year’s bill was different.
This legislation not only expands educational opportunities for families but also makes key investments in public schools—ensuring that every district remains fully funded, regardless of enrollment changes. The bill includes several provisions I have long pushed for:
Hold-harmless provision: School funding will never decrease due to disenrollment. This guarantees financial stability for our schools, no matter how many students transfer elsewhere.
Teacher bonuses: Every teacher in Tennessee will receive a one-time $2,000 bonus. Some have dismissed this as a “bribe” or an “insult,” but I see it as a well-earned investment in the people who educate our children. While I wish we could have done even more, this is just the beginning—I will continue advocating for teacher pay increases.
Building maintenance fund: For the first time in state history, Tennessee will provide recurring funding to help local districts maintain and improve school buildings.
Support for rural schools: Additional funding will go to fast-growing, high-performing, and at-risk schools, ensuring that rural districts receive their fair share.
Inclusion of the Katie Beckett Program: This bill extends scholarship eligibility to children with disabilities who qualify under the Katie Beckett waiver program.
School infrastructure investment: 80% of sports betting revenue will now be directed toward maintaining and upgrading public school facilities—with priority given to struggling districts.
Since taking office, I have been committed to strengthening public education. Over the last decade, Tennessee has increased its investment in schools by more than $3.8 billion in new recurring dollars. I have proudly supported teacher pay raises and voted for legislation that prioritizes education funding. This bill builds on that progress by ensuring that our schools remain fully funded while providing families with more choices if they need them.
I understand that not everyone supports school choice, and I recognize that most families will continue choosing public schools. That includes mine. I attended public schools, and my family members do as well. But for some parents, private education might be the best fit for their child. This bill gives them that opportunity—without taking a single dollar away from public schools.
As I weighed this decision, I spent many sleepless nights thinking through the potential impact. I was aware that President Trump was preparing to announce a federal school choice plan, though the details were unclear. On Wednesday, he signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Education to issue guidance within 60 days on how federal funding can be used for school choice programs. However, we already knew that federal policy would not include hold-harmless protections for public schools. Now, because Tennessee took action, our schools are protected.
I know not everyone will agree with my vote, and that’s okay. My goal is not to change anyone’s mind, but rather to be transparent about why I made this decision. I have always been someone who listens, studies the issues, and makes the choice I believe is best for District 71.
As we head into the regular legislative session, I remain committed to strengthening our schools, supporting our teachers, and ensuring every student in Tennessee has access to a high-quality education. There’s still more work to be done, and I’m ready to keep pushing for the resources our schools deserve.
Thank you for your encouragement, prayers, and engagement—whether we agreed on this issue or not. It is an honor to serve you, and I will continue working every day to represent our district with integrity.