Current:Home > BackGov. Lee says Tennessee education commissioner meets requirements, despite lack of teaching license-LoTradeCoin
Gov. Lee says Tennessee education commissioner meets requirements, despite lack of teaching license
View Date:2024-12-23 16:56:42
LEBANON, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee on Friday said his administration was aware of the qualifications required under Tennessee law before appointing Lizzette Reynolds as education commissioner, rebuffing Democratic lawmakers’ criticism that his appointee is not licensed to teach in Tennessee, despite a statute that says she should be qualified to do so.
Earlier this week, House Democrats called for Reynolds’ resignation after raising questions about whether she met the legal requirements to serve as the top education chief. That’s because Reynolds doesn’t currently have a teacher’s license, a revelation that critics have raised nearly six months after she was appointed by Lee.
According to the century-old law, the education commissioner “shall be a person of literary and scientific attainments and of skill and experience in school administration,” and “qualified to teach in the school of the highest standing over which the commissioner has authority.”
“If she doesn’t resign, I call on the Lee administration to make another choice,” Rep. Sam McKenzie, a Democrat from Knoxville, said Monday. “There are plenty of qualified people out there to lead this great education system we have.”
When asked Friday by reporters if he knew about the law, Lee said “of course.”
“There was a full vetting process for the commissioner of education and she meets those qualifications,” Lee said. “I have every faith in her.”
Lee did not expand further on how Reynolds meets those qualifications without holding a teaching license. Earlier this week, Lee’s office released a statement saying that Reynolds is enrolled in the UT Martin Education Preparation Program.
Reynolds receives $255,000 a year as education commissioner.
Lee, a Republican, tapped Reynolds to oversee the education department as he prepares a legislative effort to expand school vouchers statewide in Tennessee. Lee narrowly advanced a smaller school voucher program in 2019, allowing families who qualify under certain income requirements to use public dollars on private school expenses in just two counties. It has since been expanded to include a third.
More details surrounding the proposal are expected to be revealed at Lee’s annual State of the State address before lawmakers on February 5. Lee has said he wants families to access the public money for private school, regardless of family income.
veryGood! (53)
Related
- Louisiana mom arrested for making false kidnapping report after 'disagreement' with son
- Kehlani's ex demands custody of their daughter, alleges singer is member of a 'cult'
- Officials probe cause of wildfire that sent residents fleeing in San Bernardino
- Elon Musk sues OpenAI, renewing claims ChatGPT-maker put profits before ‘the benefit of humanity’
- Rare Alo Yoga Flash Sale: Don’t Miss 60% Off Deals With Styles as Low as $5
- Billy Ray Cyrus Settles Divorce From Firerose After Alleged Crazy Insane Scam
- Save 75% on Lands' End, 70% on Kate Spade, 60% on Beyond Yoga, 60% on Wayfair & Today's Best Deals
- Pregnant Cardi B Reveals the Secret of How She Hid Her Baby Bump
- How Leonardo DiCaprio Celebrated His 50th Birthday
- Georgia tops preseason USA Today Coaches Poll; Ohio State picked second
Ranking
- John Krasinski named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024
- Judge in Trump’s hush money case delays date for ruling on presidential immunity
- Horoscopes Today, August 4, 2024
- 911 operator calmly walks expectant mom through a surprise at-home delivery
- Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
- What does a state Capitol do when its hall of fame gallery is nearly out of room? Find more space
- Social media pays tribute to the viral Montgomery brawl on one year anniversary
- Taylor Swift adds five opening acts to her August Wembley shows. See the women she picked
Recommendation
-
Walmart Planned to Remove Oven Before 19-Year-Old Employee's Death
-
Who is Tim Walz? Things to know about Kamala Harris’ choice for vice president
-
19 most memorable 'Hard Knocks' moments from HBO's NFL training camp docuseries
-
Slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby bringing torrential rains, major flood threat to southeastern US
-
The Daily Money: Inflation is still a thing
-
Pitbull Stadium is the new home of FIU football. The artist has bought the naming rights
-
A guide to fire, water, earth and air signs: Understanding the Zodiac elements
-
Republican congressman who voted to impeach Trump fights to survive Washington primary