FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Dr. Robbie Fletcher, who was selected by the State Board of Education as the new Education Commissioner, appeared before the Senate Education Committee on Friday and received a positive response.
Mr. Fletcher has been in the education profession for 28 years and has served as Lawrence County Superintendent since 2014. Mr Fletcher told the committee there is no greater honor, trust and responsibility than for someone to send their child to school.
“First and foremost, we need to ensure the safety of each child,” he said. “Number two, you need to be loved. The last one is you need to be well-educated. Those are the three things I consider when making decisions as commissioner.”
Asked how he would respond to complaints that the state is not doing enough and schools are underfunded, Fletcher said, “This is the best education budget I can remember. But you'll sometimes see me say, “This is the additional funding that's needed (and) here's the data to support it.” ”
said Sen. Max Wise (R-Campbellsville). I think you will do a great job. I know where your heart is, you are a servant leader. We need Kentuckians, and now is the perfect time. ”
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Fletcher was asked about the proposed school choice constitutional amendment.
“When it comes to school choice, I think people should have the opportunity to go to the school they want to go to. Now, I'm not in favor of putting public money into private schools. That's not the case. And I I talked about it with the senator. If this passes in the bill, we as public servants have to respect that. So how does that work? I'm in the (voting) booth I'm going to go in and vote against it. But if others vote for it, it will be my responsibility to make sure it happens in the best possible way.
“So let's look at the operational definition of school choice. If you're talking about moving public funds away from public schools, I'm not for it. That being said, I don't support giving kids anywhere they want to go.” I believe people should have the option of going there.”
The committee did not take a formal vote, but the full Senate is expected to take action by Monday, the last day of the 2024 session.
