Gov. Lee Defends Tennessee Education Commissioner Despite Multiple Complaints, Criticisms

Image Credit: tn.gov & canva

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

Governor Bill Lee is defending Tennessee Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds as she faces more scrutiny after an ethics complaint was filed against her on Tuesday, following calls for her resignation from Democrats and Republicans.

Representative Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville-District 59) filed the most recent complaint, alleging that Reynolds violated state law and standards of the executive branch by taking two trips in October and November of last year that were paid for by her former employer, ExcelinEd.

According to the complaint, Reynolds attended two out-of-state events with expenses being paid by ExcelinEd (Foundation for Excellence In Education), an advocacy group that works to promote school choice. The company also employs lobbyist Miranda Williams, who worked to push Governor Bill Lee’s school voucher proposal during this past legislative session.

Hemmer argues that those trips were a violation of state law that regulates gifts from lobbying organizations that can be accepted by executive branch employees.

State law prohibits direct or indirect gifts being given to executive branch members, legislators, and political candidates, as well as their immediate family. Travel expenses can be paid by a recognized group of government officials or their staff.

“Commissioner Reynolds has shown a troubling pattern of being ill-informed about the official responsibilities of her role and an outright inability to follow Tennessee law,” Hemmer told The Tennessean. “I raised this issue with Governor Lee’s Chief Ethics Counsel, who promptly dismissed my concerns. Therefore, I’ve had no option but to file an official ethics complaint with the Tennessee Ethics Commission.”

Hemmer continued, “ExcelinEd is an employer of a lobbyist in Tennessee and, therefore, not allowed to pay or reimburse for out-of-state travel of an executive branch employee.”

According to state law, approved gifts must be reported within seven days. Reynolds did not report the trips until her 2024 statement was filed last month.

Reynolds previously found herself in hot water with legislators from both parties after she inaccurately signed numerous forms that allowed her to receive taxpayer-funded tuition waivers for the University of Tennessee at Martin to work towards her teacher certification, which she did not have.

Governor Lee was quick to defend Reynolds, stating, “Commissioner Reynolds is doing an excellent job. She’s proven to be qualified for this job, and I’m very proud of the work that we’re doing together, and I look forward to continuing that work.” 

In January 2024, Tennessee House Democrats urged Reynolds to resign or for Governor Lee to replace her, saying that she is statutorily unqualified to hold the post.

Following, in April 2024, some House Republicans joined in calling for her resignation after Reynolds admitted to falsifying documents in an attempt to obtain a college tuition waiver funded by taxpayer dollars (mentioned above).

Lee has a history of being quick to jump to the defense of his appointees, making similar comments when questioned about the effectiveness of former Commissioner Penny Schwinn.

Despite being presented with facts showing the effect of poor decisions made by Schwinn for Tennessee children, Lee maintained that Tennessee was lucky to have her and that she had done more to push for school choice than anyone else in the state.