Local education association ‘disappointed’ with DeVos confirmation

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) — Supporters of Betsy DeVos are hailing her confirmation today as Education secretary, saying it’s a chance to breathe new life into a troubled American school system, and a chance to shift power to the local level.

But critics say they will keep making themselves heard on the importance of strong public education.

DeVos has spent many years promoting charter schools and publicly funded voucher programs for private schools.

Dan Liner is with the Hamilton County Education Association.

He says, “There has been a great deal of public out cry from educators and the public about the lack of qualifications and lack of experience of Betsy DeVos. Yet for what ever reason our representatives from Tennessee did not listen to the public out cry from thousands of educators and thousands of citizens who provided evidence that Betsy DeVos is not qualified for this position. So, I have to say on the record that I am disappointed Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker.”