Knox County Schools released the following statement regarding a recent Haslam campaign ad featuring a local high-school teacher:

"Teachers have the same first amendment right to free speech that is held by all other citizens, and on their own time, they may participate in the American political process as they so desire. While the advertisement in question displayed a teacher's name and occupation, it was not a political endorsement by an individual school or the school system, and it does not appear that any part of the school system was used in this advertisement."

Knox Co. School Board chair Indya Kincannon further stated that the ad was filmed at Tommy Schumpert Park so no school facilities were used, and "it's clear that the views she [the teacher] expresses are her own, not that of the school, school system or Board of Education." Also, because the ad was done outside school hours and off school property, no review or approval was required.

PREVIOUSLY: Does the latest Haslam campaign ad violate Knox Co. Schools policy?

UPDATE: WATE has a response from the Haslam campaign...