Lee speaks on education in Chattanooga visit

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Governor Bill Lee made a stop in Chattanooga on Thursday.

He spoke to the Downtown Rotary Club and discussed his plans for the rest of his term.

Speaking with the media afterwards, he discussed concerns that have been raised about the future of public education.

One such suggestion has been made by a state lawmaker to increase the purview of the third grade retention from just reading scores, to also increase math scores.

The Governor told us that he believes that third grade retention so far is showing positive signs and would be open to it in other subjects including math.

The Governor also stated that a committee has been formed to consider whether or not the state should reject 1 point 8 billion dollars in federal funding.

Some lawmakers want to reject that funding so the state is not subjected to as many federal requirements.