Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam
Education Commissioner Kevin HuffmanNASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam says in a letter to school superintendents that he’s “disappointed” by their open criticism of his education chief Kevin Huffman and wants them to take a “fresh approach to communications” with the commissioner.
“The bottom line is that we are at a critical point in the implementation of key reforms that I believe will lead to continued progress in education, and this work is simply too important to get sidetracked,” Haslam says in the letter, dated Monday.
He adds, “That’s why I hope you’ll join me in taking a fresh approach to communication between the state and school districts and work together as partners as we seek to build on the momentum that’s been generated.”
Educators said about 60 superintendents have signed a letter criticizing Huffman, saying they feel Huffman “considers school teachers, principals and superintendents impediments to school improvement rather than partners.”
The letter, drafted by Tullahoma Schools Superintendent Dan Lawson, also takes Huffman to task, saying they believe his department “has no interest in a dialogue with those of us providing leadership for school systems.”