Rutherford County, TN – The Commissioner of Education in Tennessee has decided to step down from her post. Commissioner Penny Schwinn, who has served as the Education Commissioner for the past 4-years, will leave the department at the end of the current school year. Schwinn has overseen Governor Bill Lee's school voucher program, which has taken on a heavy load of criticism, along with Governor Lee's new education formula.

Shortly after Schwinn made the announcement of stepping down, the head of the Professional Educators of Tennessee told WGNS News... That was JC Bowman, Executive Director and CEO of the Professional Educators. While Schwinn will continue to be employed by the state until the end of the school year, reports indicate Sam Pearcy, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education, will serve as the interim commissioner until July 1, 2023.

Governor Bill Lee announced the new Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner is Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds from the Lone Star State. She will begin her duties on July 1, 2023. Bowman said...

Reynolds past record shows that she served as the legislative director for the former Governor of Texas - - who later became the President of the United States... George W. Bush. President Bush was the Governor of Texas between 1995 and 2000, when he was elected as President. Currently, Reynolds is the Vice President of Policy for ExcelinEd.

Hear JC Bowman's full statement here... Again, Bowman is the Executive Director and CEO of the Professional Educators of Tennessee.

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