Kentucky Department of Education 2020 Commissioner Search

(FRANKFORT, KY) – Kentucky is searching for its next commissioner of education, who will make a difference for the state’s more than 648,000 public school students and support its more than 42,000 teachers.

Nominations and applications are being taken until May 31. Kevin C. Brown is currently serving as interim commissioner of education until a new commissioner is named. Brown has been serving in the role since Dec. 18.

The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) retained search firm Greenwood/Asher and Associates Inc. in February to lead the search for the next commissioner.

“We are looking for an individual who shares our commitment to putting the interests of students first and ensuring each child is prepared for the opportunities of the 21st-century economy,” said Lu Young, chair of the Kentucky Board of Education. “The next commissioner will sustain and build on Kentucky’s commitment to excellence in education. He or she will have many opportunities, but also challenges, such as the effects on learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As the chief executive officer for both the Board of Education and the Department of Education, the commissioner recommends and implements KBE policies and directs KDE in the management of the state’s 172 public school districts.

Together, the 11-member board, the commissioner and the department are responsible for setting state standards for student, program and operational performance while respecting the local autonomy of each school district.

In addition to overseeing the daily operations of KDE, which has more than 1,000 staff across the state, the commissioner acts as superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Blind, the Kentucky School for the Deaf and 53 area technology centers.

The commissioner also serves as the executive secretary to the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), recommending and carrying out regulations related to standards and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a teaching certificate, and preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel in Kentucky.

Kentucky has been a strong national voice on public education through the years and led the way in educational reform starting with the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). KERA made many fundamental changes in collective thinking about what public education should provide and be implemented.

“Maintaining and increasing Kentucky’s presence and influence will be a priority for the new commissioner of education,” said Young.

To nominate a candidate or apply, go to KDE’s 2020 Kentucky Education Commissioner Search webpage, which includes the job posting.

Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination, including contact information for the nominee to Greenwood/Asher and Associates Inc.

Those who wish to apply should include a letter addressing how their experience matches the position requirements, a curriculum vitae or resume, and five references.

Submission of materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged.

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