FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has officially appointed new leadership with Senate confirmation. Robbie Fletcher was confirmed as education commissioner by the state Senate on the final day of session 36-1.
All but one senator voted to confirm Fletcher's appointment as secretary of the state Department of Education. State Sen. Donald Douglas (R-Nicholasville) voted against the confirmation.
Mr. Fletcher is the current Superintendent of Lawrence County Schools and has nearly 30 years of experience in public education. After serving as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of education, he will become a member of the Board of Education on July 1.
“When someone says they trust you with their child, it's humbling. It's the greatest compliment and the greatest responsibility you can take,” he said. Ta.
Fletcher replaces former commissioner Jason Glass, who resigned last fall. During Monday's confirmation vote, many senators said they expected Fletcher to forge a better relationship with Congress.
State Sen. Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green) said, “The last committee member did not meet at all for about 18 months and continued to destroy the Legislature.''
Last Congress, Wilson proposed a bill that would make commissioners subject to Senate confirmation. Fletcher appeared before the school board Friday to share his goals for Kentucky students.
“I think the approval process was phenomenal because you kind of laid the groundwork,” Fletcher said. This is who they're getting. Although we didn't agree on everything, he respected my opinion on many items. ”
Majority Leader Damon Sayer (R-Georgetown) said he expects students' needs to come before anyone else's.
“We need to care about these kids and the education they're getting and the best education possible. This awakening that's been driven primarily by the (Kentucky State Education Association) and the Board of Education “This is not a left-wing mantra,” Thayer said.
Fletcher said his biggest goal is to improve the state's low math and reading scores by using formalized assessments to identify and meet the needs of each child. .
“I want to make sure your child is safe, well-educated, and most importantly, that they are loved,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher also expressed support for the state's education budget, calling it the best he's ever seen. He is a lifelong Kentucky resident and began teaching in 1996.