FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — After a long search, we've found out who is likely to become Kentucky's next superintendent.
The nomination has been announced, but there are several steps before it becomes official.
After a nearly six-month search, Lawrence County Schools Superintendent Robbie Fletcher has been selected by the State Board of Education to be the next superintendent. Mr. Fletcher has led Far Eastern Kentucky for the past 10 years, having held positions at Asbury University and Martin County Schools.
“When our children sit on our buses or walk through the doors of our schools, parents and guardians are saying, “I trust you, my greatest human accomplishment.'' We will do everything in our power to live up to that trust,'' Fletcher said after the board's vote.
The announcement was made during a special virtual meeting on Thursday, two days after KDE announced it had entered contract negotiations with the finalists.
“We saw a leader who embodies the qualities of an ambassador, a statesman, a leadership expert, a strong organizational leader, and a visionary innovator,” said Board Vice Chair Sharon Robinson. Stated.
The position has been without a permanent leader since Sept. 29, when then-Commissioner Jason Glass resigned after multiple clashes with lawmakers over coronavirus-era decisions and pronoun choices in the classroom. He is absent. This disagreement led to legislation requiring the Senate to approve the BOE's choice.
Sen. Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green), who sponsored the bill, said in a statement, “The previous commissioner was far more focused on personal political views than educational outcomes. We hope that continues to be the case. I am encouraged by the initial reports on the quality nominees that KDE plans to submit to the Senate for confirmation. Robbie Fletcher is from right here in Kentucky and is familiar with the needs of students across the commonwealth. I am.”
No date has yet been set for the Senate to consider Fletcher's nomination.
