MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee continued a series of school tours across the state, making a stop in Johnson County Wednesday.
Lee visited Johnson County High School, which marks one of the last few stops in the Tennessee 225 tour initiative.
Lee stopped at the school’s Career Technical Education (CTE) facilities, to speak with students and instructors about the programs they offer.
“I was in the HVAC and Plumbing electrical business for 35 years, realized just how badly we need skilled workers,” Lee said. “Our education system has really not focused on that type of education for a long time. So, we’re working really hard to change that.”
Director of Schools Dr. Mischelle Simcox said of the 620 high school students in the county, about 85% take part in a CTE program.
Simcox said after extending a few invites, she’s glad to see Lee was finally able to make it over to Mountain City.
“We have a wonderful CTE program,” Simcox said. “We were just very honored that he chose us to come visit.”
Lee toured the school’s diesel and mechanic program, housing construction project and tilapia project.
“Education is the future of Tennessee, and CTE education is an incredibly important part of that future,” Lee said. “What we’re seeing right here, we need to duplicate in high schools all over the state.”
Johnson County High School received a $1 million GIVE grant from the state to expand CTE opportunities in the community, according to the Governor’s Office, and the school continues to partner with TCAT Elizabethton to promote career readiness.
