KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Governor Bill Lee announced a new proposal to expand the state's school voucher program. It would allow students across the state to apply for a voucher to spend on private school.
There are several counties with limited options for these schools. Tennessee Department of Education has a list of non-public school options state-wide.
Several counties, including Scott and Union counties, only have one school option available. Hancock County, has no non-public schools available.
Elaine Patrick is a mom in Claiborne County. She sends her two kids to Heritage Christian Academy of East Tennessee in New Tazewell. She said tuition costs are high, so she'll send her kids to public school next year.
Patrick said she would love to apply for vouchers for her children.
"Yes, it would be a big help, financially to not have a burden, a $1,000 month burden," Patrick said. "Is it worth it? Yes, it's totally worth it."
She mentioned there are not a lot of options for private schools. There are only four in Claiborne County. The school her children attend only enrolls students until 8th grade.
"After eighth grade, we would have to drive almost 30 minutes to Harrogate," she said. "That's the only other private school unless we wanted, you know, to make the drive to halls or, you know, somewhere around town in Knoxville."