NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Democratic lawmakers are calling for Tennessee’s education commissioner to resign after they say she’s not qualified to hold the position.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons (D - Nashville) and the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Chairman Sam McKenzie (D - Knoxville) called on Lizzette Reynolds to resign. They said she did not meet some statutory requirements.
The two requirements lawmakers said she does not meet are listed below.
- The commissioner shall be a person of literary and scientific attainments and of skill and experience in school administration.
- The commissioner shall also be qualified to teach in the school of the highest standing over which the commissioner has authority.
“I have found no literary writings or scientific achievements of record, written or performed by Commissioner Reynolds through my search,” Clemmons said. “If I had, it wouldn’t matter because she must also be of skill and experience in school administration. She has zero experience in school administration. She has no degree in school administration. And she has never administered school or system to the best of our knowledge.”
She was sworn in on June 29, 2023, replacing Dr. Penny Schwinn as educational commissioner who stepped down after the 2022-2023 school year.
Governor Bill Lee's office released a statement about calls for Reynolds' resignation. That statement is below.
“Commissioner Reynolds’ credentials and professional experience qualify her to serve as TDOE commissioner and we’re proud of the work she’s doing to accelerate academic achievement and support all Tennessee students.
Additionally, though not explicitly required by statute, Commissioner Reynolds is currently enrolled in the UT Martin Education Preparation Program (EPP) to expand upon her previous experience.”