A BAD PENNY ALWAYS TURNS UP
THE ODYSSEY OF PENNY SCHWINN, PRIVATIZATION'S TYPHOID MARY
In the grand theater of education reform, where billionaires play puppet masters and public schools are the stage, one character consistently steals the spotlight: Penny Schwinn. If school reform were a spy thriller, she’d be the hitman with a clipboard, armed with no-bid contracts and a penchant for privatization. Let’s dive into the saga of the woman whose name makes public school advocates shudder and billionaire reformers cheer.
The Rise of Bad Penny
Penny Schwinn’s journey reads like a playbook for the privatization movement. From running her own charter school to serving on the Sacramento County Board of Education, she quickly ascended the ranks of the education reform elite. Her resume is a greatest-hits list of privatization hotspots: California, Texas, Tennessee, and even Washington, D.C. Wherever she goes, controversy and conflict follow like an over enthusiastic groupie.
Schwinn isn’t just a darling of the billionaire class; she’s practically their mascot. Trained at the Eli Broad Academy—a superintendents’ boot camp for dismantling public education—she’s been groomed to execute their vision. Whether it’s charter schools or public-private partnerships, Schwinn is there to grease the wheels of privatization, often with a smile that says, “Trust me, I’m here to help.” Spoiler alert: she’s not.
The Copper Penny Conundrum
How bad is Penny Schwinn? Even Donald Trump reportedly raised an eyebrow. During her time in Tennessee, Schwinn courted controversy like it was a competitive sport. She faced scrutiny over textbook adoption processes, no-bid contracts, and an $8 million deal with TNTP Inc.—a nonprofit founded by Teach For America’s Wendy Kopp. Fun fact: her husband works for TNTP. Conflict of interest, anyone?
Of course, Schwinn filed a conflict of interest report and assured everyone that she had nothing to do with the contract’s evaluation. But lawmakers weren’t buying it. State Rep. Bo Mitchell and Sen. Mike Bell were among those who cried foul, pointing out that even the appearance of impropriety was enough to warrant investigation. It’s like saying, “Sure, the fox was in the henhouse, but he promised not to eat anything.”
The Typhoid Mary of Privatization
Schwinn’s career has been a masterclass in how to infuriate parents, teachers, and public school advocates. Her tenure in Tennessee alone could fill a scandal scrapbook. From questionable contracts to canceled child welfare programs, she’s left a trail of discontent that spans multiple states. It’s no wonder some have dubbed her the “Typhoid Mary of Privatization.” Wherever she goes, public education seems to fall ill.
And let’s not forget her husband, Paul Schwinn. He’s also in education, working for TNTP—a nonprofit with billionaire backing that aims to reform teacher training. Together, the Schwinns are like the Bonnie and Clyde of education reform, except instead of robbing banks, they’re accused of undermining public schools.
Penny Does D.C.
After her tumultuous stint in Tennessee, Schwinn set her sights on Washington, D.C., seeking a deputy secretary post in the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration. To smooth over potential conflicts of interest (and perhaps her reputation), she pledged to cut financial ties with various entities she was affiliated with. This included resigning from positions at companies like 38 Ventures LLC and divesting interests in firms like Soliant Health LLC.
But promises are one thing; trust is another. Schwinn’s past ethical lapses have left many skeptical of her intentions. Her critics argue that her career is less about improving education and more about advancing a privatization agenda. It’s like hiring a fox to guard the henhouse—again.
A Family Affair
The Schwinns’ involvement in education reform highlights a broader issue: the incestuous nature of the privatization movement. Organizations like TNTP and Teach For America are often staffed by alumni from the same small pool of elite institutions and funded by the same cadre of billionaires. It’s a revolving door where everyone knows everyone, and conflicts of interest are just part of the decor.
If education reform were a soap opera, this would be its most dramatic plotline: billionaires pulling strings behind the scenes while their loyal operatives execute their vision on the ground. And at the center of it all is Penny Schwinn, ever the reliable player in this high-stakes game.
The Billionaire Connection
Schwinn’s ties to billionaire-backed organizations like the Broad Academy and TNTP are no coincidence. These groups have long been accused of prioritizing profit over students, pushing for policies that benefit private interests at the expense of public education. Critics argue that their ultimate goal is to turn schools into businesses, where students are customers and teachers are expendable.
Schwinn’s career trajectory mirrors this agenda. From her early days in California to her controversies in Tennessee, she has consistently championed policies that align with the privatization movement. Whether it’s charter schools or public-private partnerships, her actions often seem designed to weaken public education rather than strengthen it.
The Verdict on Bad Penny
So, what’s the final word on Penny Schwinn? To her supporters—mainly billionaire reformers—she’s a visionary leader who gets things done. To her critics—parents, teachers, and public school advocates—she’s a relentless force for privatization who leaves chaos in her wake.
One thing is certain: a bad penny always turns up. And when it does, you can bet there will be controversy, conflict, and plenty of headlines. For better or worse, Penny Schwinn has cemented her place as one of the most polarizing figures in education reform. Whether she’s a hero or a villain depends on which side of the privatization debate you’re on.
But if history is any guide, this isn’t the last we’ll hear of Penny Schwinn. After all, bad pennies don’t just turn up—they stick around.
Former Tennessee education leader promises feds she will cut conflicts • Tennessee Lookout https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/05/29/former-tennessee-education-leader-promises-feds-she-will-cut-conflicts/
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Big Education Ape: Schwinn resigns from Sacramento County Office of Education board - Education - The Sacramento Bee https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2013/07/schwinn-resigns-from-sacramento-county.html
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