Divided on DeVos: Local critics, supporters weigh in as she awaits confirmation

Some Tennessee teachers and education advocates say President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. education secretary, Betsy DeVos, is an enemy of public education.

For decades, the Michigan billionaire has advocated expanding taxpayer-funded school choice, and some local public school educators fear her appointment will bolster efforts to expand voucher programs and reduce regulations of charter schools here.

“These sorts of reforms would do tremendous damage to public school systems by depriving them of crucial funding, while also encouraging students to attend charter and private schools with unproven track records,” said Brandon Hubbard-Heitz, a teacher at The Howard School. “The chaos associated with Detroit’s school system could very well become a national trend.”

But Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and local state lawmakers have voiced support for DeVos, who is expected to be approved by the Senate education committee Tuesday.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tennessee, who serves as chairman of the Senate education committee, said earlier this week he expects the Senate to approve DeVos’ appointment.