Traveling across the state in my role as Executive
Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, I talk
with a lot of people interested in public education. One
of the most common complaints is a lack of response
from Governor Bill Lee or his team on specific education
issues. It is problematic, and quite honestly has always
been problematic in our state. Better communication
is always needed. I should know - I used to work for
Governor Jeb Bush years ago, and communication
is always a struggle for the executive branch, despite
best intentions.
It was reasonable to be patient with Governor Lee and
his staff in year one. With staff now settled into place,
and processes and systems clearly established we
should expect better communication in year two.
Governor Lee laid out a fairly ambitious education
agenda, and while our organization disagreed with
some parts of it, he offered more specifics than his
opponent in the election last November. He was clear
in his support of vouchers from the day he announced
his candidacy. It should have been of no surprise to
policymakers or stakeholders. When surveyed, our
members did not support vouchers.
His legislative victory with vouchers has yet to be
implemented. This may prove challenging, as the
program must be proven successful before any other
future voucher program is considered. Members of the
Tennessee General Assembly will demand proof of
unmitigated success before any expansion or similar
program is enacted. Cameron Sexton, a voucher critic,
has now ascended to Speaker of the House. His track
record would indicate that he is a strong supporter
of public schools. This helps the Governor moving
forward on education policy changes needed in public
education.
Other parts of the Lee campaign agenda likely won him
most of his statewide support, and gave voters more
specifics on which to hold him accountable. Candidate
Lee suggested it was time to change the way our high
schools operate. It was a bold policy suggestion, and
as Governor, Bill Lee should move forward on that
front.
For the last 50 years, the way high schools have
educated students has largely remained unchanged.
Many business and community leaders believe
the traditional high school is disconnected from the
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