FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate has confirmed the next education commissioner after giving him a warm welcome before the Senate Education Committee last week.
Robbie Fletcher, currently the superintendent of Lawrence County Schools in eastern Kentucky, was confirmed as Kentucky's top education official by a vote of 36-1 on Monday.He is the first education commissioner to request Senate confirmation. under the law This was approved at last year's general meeting.
Senator Philip Wheeler, who sponsored the resolution, gave high praise to Fletcher ahead of the vote, highlighting Fletcher's “continued commitment to Kentucky's school children.”
Sen. Steve West (R-Paris), chairman of the Senate Education Committee, called Fletcher the new University of Kentucky men's basketball head coach and Fletcher's history as an educator in eastern Kentucky. “The Mark Pope of Kentucky Education.”
The only no vote was Sen. Donald Douglas (R-Nicholasville).
Fletcher told reporters he appreciated the Senate's vote of confidence. Between now and when he officially takes office as education commissioner in July, Fletcher will hold transition meetings with the Kentucky Department of Education to review the department's structure.
“My goal as Secretary is to ensure that all children are safe, loved, and well-educated,” he said.
At Friday's committee meeting, some members congratulated Fletcher on his selection by the Kentucky Board of Education. At that meeting, Mr. Fletcher reiterated his goal of supporting all Kentucky students and his desire to work with legislators without getting drawn into political conflict.
Between Kentucky State Board of Education At the meeting announcing Mr Fletcher's selection, KBE chairman Sharon Porter-Robinson said the selection had been made “with great care and with great confidence”.
“Mr. Fletcher embodies all the qualities we are looking for,” he said in a statement Monday, noting that he received feedback from many educators throughout the commissioner search process.
“Throughout his career as a teacher and school administrator, Mr. Fletcher has demonstrated the qualities of an ambassador and statesman, a professional educational leader, and a visionary innovator,” Robinson said. . “We look forward to seeing him serve as commissioner of all public schools in the commonwealth.”
Fletcher's annual salary will be $265,000. His contract runs until 2028.
former Education Commissioner Jason Glass He resigned from his position in September amid tensions with Frankfort's Republican Party. At the time, Mr. Glass said he did not want to take part in enforcing controversial anti-transgender laws that would limit how schools teach about human sexuality and gender identity and give adult staff the freedom to misgender students. said. Mr. Glass is currently enrolled at Western Michigan University.
