NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Gov. Bill Haslam's office is dismissing as a "political stunt" a letter signed by 15 Republican lawmakers demanding the resignation of Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman.
The letter dated Thursday cites complaints from school administrators, teachers and students about Huffman's leadership style as his department implements a series of changes in K-12 education.
The lawmakers signing the letter are strongly identified with the tea party wing of the party. They include Rep. Joe Carr of Murfreesboro, who is challenging incumbent Lamar Alexander for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in August.
Haslam spokesman David Smith said the governor's office had sought to discuss several of the lawmakers' concerns, and expressed disappointment that they chose not to engage in what he called a "constructive dialogue."