In the political landscape of education, the phrase “ejecting swamps” resonates with those committed to eradicating the corrosive effects of chronism and inefficiency from government agencies. President Trump’s administration began with a promise to remove corruption and special interests, but the appointment of Penny Schwin as assistant secretary for education raises serious concerns. Conservatives have expressed strong opposition to her confirmation, based on countless controversial decisions and connections that question her qualifications for such a pivotal role.
Penny Schwin’s background is not merely a story of educational ambitions, but rather intricately woven into the connections between controversial figures and initiatives. Her early career began under the leadership of former Senator Diane Feinstein. This is the name that has its own baggage in the realm of political controversy. Schwinn’s first foray into education came through Teach for America, but her subsequent role has been consistently characterized by scrutiny and questions about her effectiveness and the ethical implications of her decisions.
Take her tenure at St. Hope Public Schools, founded by Kevin Johnson. Although Schwinn was not directly involved in these scandals, her relationship with Johnson raises serious questions about her judgment and the principles she represents. The fact that she has advanced her career with support from such controversial figures speaks of the volume of her alignment with the very interest many conservatives are trying to remove from the education system.
As Delaware’s Chief Accountability and Performance Officer, Schwin oversaw the Priority Schools program. It is designed to raise low-performing institutions. However, the initiative faced serious backlash due to punitive measures, including forcing teachers to reapply for work, without addressing the systemic issues that plagued these struggling schools. Not only did this approach fail to fulfill its promise, it exacerbated existing inequality and elicited criticism from civil rights advocates and education reformers.
In Texas, her leadership was eroded by the SPEDX scandal. This is a bidless contract that raised a red flag on conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement. The fallout from this scandal leads to economic losses and whistleblower complaints, casting a long shadow on Schwin’s ability and integrity. The Texas Educational Institution’s decision to terminate the contract after significant spending highlighted a troubling pattern of issues of surveillance and accountability under her watch.
Her time as a Tennessee school board member was equally plagued by controversy. Critics point to her lack of communication and cooperation with local supervisors and lawmakers, and point to the undermining the trust needed for effective educational leadership. The $8 million contract with TNTP, an organization linked to her then-husband, raised ethical concerns that reflected issues from her previous position. Schwin’s claim to maintain a distance from oversight of this contract was rare to do to alleviate fears of favor and chronism.
The high turnover rate within the Tennessee Department of Education during Schwinn’s tenure speaks to the amount of morale and satisfaction of those she intended to lead. The incredible number of resignations shows her lack of confidence in leadership. When education leadership is characterized by instability and dissatisfaction among staff, it raises serious questions about the effectiveness of reforms she may propose.
Moreover, her treatment of critical education policies, including the controversial issues of critical racial theory, has attracted rage from both sides of the political spectrum. Lawmakers and parents alike criticize her for failing to enforce legislative directions aimed at maintaining the integrity of their education, further complicating her legacy in Tennessee.
In addition to concerns surrounding Schwin, he served as vice president of PK-12 and pre-Bachelors programs in 2023 during his brief tenure at the University of Florida. Florida’s general audit report criticised her $367,500 salary as part of questionable employment practices under then-President Ben Sasse, lacking clear legitimacy or job descriptions. Schwinn was not expressly named in the report, but the position she held was mentioned in relation to allegations surrounding Sasse’s employment process, deducting compensation that exceeded market value without proper recruitment protocols.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis have sought an investigation into allegations of these spending using tuition fees and taxpayer dollars. A preliminary audit revealed that the university failed to provide appropriate documentation justifying its salary decisions, further promoting speculation about potential chronisms in its employment practices. While no direct evidence of fraud has been confirmed, the shadow of fraud remains, further complicating Schwin’s already controversial public profile.
As Schwinn’s appointment moves forward, it is essential that the US senator thoroughly investigates her past actions and affiliation. Her track record of connections with established profits and controversial decisions requires a rigorous review process. The stakes are too expensive. Our education system calls for leaders who prioritize student needs over personal ambitions and political connections.
Ultimately, Penny Schwin’s nomination as Associate Education Chief should meet with skepticism and scrutiny. Her career, characterized by controversy and questionable decisions, raises deep concerns about her suitability for this influential role.
If we truly “eject swamps,” we must reject candidates whose past actions suggest integrity with the very benefits we are trying to eliminate. The future of our education system is not of special benefits, but relies on leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability, and the real needs of students.
JC Bowman is the executive director of professional educators in Tennessee
