Legislative Recap: School Choice Passed — But At What Cost?

As a strong believer that parents are the primary educators, I respect the intention behind HB6004, the Education Freedom Act, and the work many put into it. We all want better options for students—but I could not support this bill as it was written. (See my previous post for more detail about my concerns with HB6004.)

While well-meaning, HB6004 fails to address the real issues in our schools: curriculum concerns, over-testing, and a shift away from core skills like reading, writing, and math. Instead of fixing those problems, it creates a costly new program—spending $400 million in the first year to serve only 20,000 students out of one million statewide. That’s just 2% of students. 

The Tennessee Constitution makes clear that it is the state’s responsibility to provide and maintain a free public education. If we have failing schools, the state owes it to those students and communities to fix them. We should be investing in excellence and accountability in every classroom, not ignoring the real problems of the system our Constitution requires us to maintain.

Even more concerning, by tying public dollars to private education, we risk inviting the same mandates and government interference that have already burdened our public schools. Government money always comes with government strings—no matter how good the intentions.

While I could not support the final version of HB6004, I'm proud to have supported several other education reforms this session that move Tennessee in the right direction:

Education Freedom for Families:

• Federal Education Deregulation Task Force (HB58) - We established a task force to identify and eliminate federal education mandates that restrict our flexibility and waste resources. Washington, D.C., has no business dictating how Tennessee schools are run. This task force will help us reclaim local control over education policy.

• Merit-Based Pay Options (HB759) - We provided school districts with the option to implement merit-based compensation for teachers, rewarding excellence in education rather than relying solely on seniority. Great teachers deserve recognition and compensation that reflects their impact on student success.

  
  

School Safety and Learning Environment:

• Empowering Schools to Make Cell Phone Policy (HB932) - We empowered local school districts to establish their own policies around cell phones and wireless devices in schools. This legislation gives schools the tools to limit distractions while respecting the needs of families. Every community is different, and this approach lets educators and parents work together to create learning environments that help students stay focused and thrive.

• Parental Notice of School Threats (HB1088) - We required schools to notify parents when threats occur on campus. Parents have a fundamental right to be informed about dangers that affect their children's safety. This law ensures that families stay informed about security incidents, allowing them to make informed decisions.

• More Recess for Children (HB85) - We ensured children get adequate time for physical activity and play during the school day. Childhood development requires more than just sitting in classrooms - kids need time to move, play, and develop social skills through unstructured activities.

• Free Speech Protections for Students (HB1270) -

  Originally, I filed HB 844 to address Soddy Middle School students who were expected to address a biological male substitute teacher with different pronouns.  Upon consultation with the chairman of the Education Committee, I cosponsored HB1270 that a representative with more seniority was carrying to ensure this important legislation passed.

  We extended protection to students and contractors of public schools and LEAs while at school and prohibits disciplinary action from being taken against students, or adverse action against school contractors for failure to use preferred pronouns that are inconsistent with an individual's biological sex.

  
  

Curriculum and Values:

• Success Sequence in Family Life Curriculum (HB178) - We promoted teaching the proven path to economic stability and family success: education, employment, marriage, and then children. This evidence-based approach, supported by decades of research, enables young people to make informed life choices that lead to prosperity and stable families.

• Banned Red 40 in Schools (HB134) - We prohibited the use of harmful artificial dyes in school foods, protecting children's health and removing unnecessary chemicals from their diets. When we know something is harmful to developing bodies and minds, we take action to protect our children.

• Ensured Biological Reality in Schools (HB64) - We passed legislation ensuring children use bathrooms and facilities that correspond to their biological sex. This protects the privacy, safety, and dignity of all students while rejecting the dangerous lie of gender ideology that confuses and harms children.

  
  

The Battle for Our Children's Minds:

Make no mistake - there's a war being waged for the hearts and minds of our children. Radical activists want to use schools to indoctrinate kids with anti-American ideology, inappropriate content, and values that undermine parental authority.

• Critical Race Theory - This divisive ideology teaches children they're either victims or victimizers based on race. It divides kids against each other and against America itself. I absolutely oppose CRT because it harms children and undermines the unity that makes America strong.

• Gender Ideology - Schools across America are secretly transitioning children, hiding information from parents, and promoting confusion about basic biological reality. This isn't compassion - it's child abuse disguised as tolerance.

• Sexual Content - Age-inappropriate sexual material has no place in schools. Children should learn about sexuality from their parents according to family values and timeline, not from school librarians pushing pornographic books.

  
  

Real Results:

Our education reforms are already producing results:

• Schools focus on learning instead of ideology

• Students' constitutional rights are protected

• Safety and security improve with better communication

• Children develop better social skills with more recess and less screen time

  
  

Looking Ahead:

We'll continue fighting for educational choices and parental rights. This includes:

• Eliminating federal control over local education

• Protecting children from inappropriate content and ideologies

• Supporting teachers who focus on academics rather than activism

• Ensuring transparency in curriculum and school policies

  
  

A Personal Commitment:

As your State Representative, I promise to always stand with parents against those who would usurp your authority over your children's education. Government schools should serve families, not replace them.

Every child deserves an excellent education that prepares them for success while respecting the values their parents hold dear. That's what educational freedom delivers.

Fighting for Our Rights,

Michele Reneau

TN State Representative

District 27, Hamilton County