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Seven county mayors from Northeast Tennessee have come together to publicly endorse Gov. Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Scholarship Act of 2025. The collective show of support, announced in a release from Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, underscores the importance of the proposed legislation in enhancing educational opportunities and addressing key challenges facing local communities.

The group includes Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy, Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable, Hawkins County Mayor Mark DeWitte, Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter, Unicoi County Mayor Garland “Bubba” Evely, and Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison.

In a letter to Gov. Lee, the mayors expressed their appreciation for his leadership and explained their backing of the Act. They highlighted its balanced approach to supporting families, schools, and regional recovery efforts.

“The Education Freedom Scholarship Act is a practical step toward addressing the educational and financial needs of our communities,” the mayors wrote. “We are particularly encouraged by the provision that ensures school systems are not financially penalized for a loss of enrollment. This measure provides local districts with the stability needed to adjust to changes in enrollment without compromising the quality of education for students.”

The mayors also praised the Act’s inclusion of disaster relief funding, which they described as vital for Northeast Tennessee’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. They emphasized the importance of these resources in restoring infrastructure, supporting families, and rebuilding a more resilient region.

“This Act takes a thoughtful, balanced approach by combining educational support with disaster recovery resources,” the letter continued. “It represents a constructive step forward for our state, and we are prepared to work alongside Governor Lee and others to advocate for its passage.”

Mayor Woodby added her personal endorsement of the legislation, praising Gov. Lee’s consistent support for Northeast Tennessee and the bill’s focus on addressing the region’s unique challenges.

“Governor Lee has been good to us,” Woodby said. “This bill is a testament to his understanding of the unique challenges we face in rebuilding after Hurricane Helene and ensuring our schools have the resources they need to provide high-quality education. It’s a forward-thinking solution that addresses both immediate and long-term needs for our communities.”

The mayors emphasized their shared commitment to ensuring the region’s schools and communities have the tools and resources necessary to thrive. Their unified support reflects a strong partnership with Gov. Lee’s administration in tackling both current and future challenges in Northeast Tennessee.