The Kentucky Board of Education received 15 applications for a new commissioner of education.
After lengthy interviews during March, they selected Robbie Fletcher, who is currently superintendent of Lawrence County Schools. He has degrees from UK and Morehead State University in education and has many certifications in education, which make him a perfect candidate.
Fletcher has strong roots to our area. He was a teacher and then principal in the Martin County system. He started his career as a math and science teacher in Inez. In 2014, he became superintendent in Lawrence County.
Last year, the state legislature passed a law that the next school commissioner required state senate confirmation prior to serving in the $265,000 position.
The last education commissioner was Jason Glass, who resigned to accept a job in Michigan.
The Kentucky State Senate approved Fletcher’s nomination by a 36-1 vote on Monday, which was the last day of the legislative session.
Fletcher will begin on July 1. He’ll oversee 171 public school districts, The Kentucky School for the Blind, The Kentucky School for the Deaf and 50 state-operated technology centers.
This is a mammoth task, and we’re pleased an educator from our area was selected and confirmed by a large majority of senators. We’re even more thankful a Kentuckian will be Education Commissioner.
