NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has announced that former House Speaker Pro Tem Bill Dunn will serve as a senior adviser to Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn.
Dunn, a Republican from Knoxville, was an advocate for Lee’s contentious school voucher bill.
“Bill Dunn is one of the most experienced and thoughtful advocates for education in our state who has dedicated his career in state government to improving outcomes for Tennessee’s students,” said Gov. Lee in a press release. “Bill is a man of impeccable integrity, and his counsel will be critical to our success as we navigate one of the most challenging school years in our state’s history. We’re incredibly grateful for Bill’s willingness to continue his public service at the Department of Education and I look forward to working with him on behalf of all Tennessee students.”
The proposal narrowly passed the GOP-dominant Statehouse in 2019, but it has never been implemented due to ongoing legal challenges surrounding the law. Dunn began his job at the Department of Education on Monday.
He will be tasked with counseling the agency on advancing education initiatives.
