Education commissioner is an “embarrassment” 

By Tony Jones NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons issued a press release Friday, April 5 calling Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds an “embarrassment” after reportedly twice signing applications falsely seeking a tuition waiver to earn a master’s degree and teaching credentials, and stated that she should either be terminated or resign from the position. This is not the first time Clemmons and co-horts have called for Reynolds’ ouster. This past January, he and Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Chairman Sam McKenzie voiced objections stating she did not meet the requirements outlined by Tennessee state code. The new information bolsters their objections, but the legislature cannot remove her and the administration stands firmly behind her. The updated call cites a recent article in the Tennessean reporting Reynolds “was granted& a tuition waiver that she was ineligible to receive& when& she enrolled& for classes at the University of Tennessee-Martin.” & The release explains “she used the free& wavier available to state employees to take classes towards earning a master’s degree and a teaching credential. However, to get the waiver, you have to have worked for the state for at least 6 months.& Reynolds twice signed applications...