TC Weber takes a look at the state’s voucher numbers:
This week, the Tennessee Comptroller released a 163-page analysis of the second program. Reviews are mixed—and appropriately so.
The report shows:
- Program growth from 452 students to nearly 3,700
- Participation still far below the 15,000 seats authorized
- Of 98,000 eligible students, only 7,019 applied (7.2%)
Several findings deserve closer scrutiny:
- 24–36% of ESA recipients never used their vouchers
- It’s unclear where unused funds went
- The majority of ESA students did not attend public school the prior year
