By Jim Gaines
jim.gaines@education.ky.gov
Todd Allen has been appointed as general counsel for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).
His appointment, which is retroactive to Aug. 1, 2020, was made following discussions with Jason Glass, incoming commissioner of education, who officially begins work Sept 14.
Todd Allen
“I’m honored to be selected to serve permanently in this role,” Allen said. “For nearly six years, KDE has provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow in my career each day. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to serve KDE, the KBE (Kentucky Board of Education) and Kentucky’s public education system – a system from which I’ve benefited greatly myself as a former public school student.”
Allen has worked in KDE’s Office of Legal Services since 2014, previously holding the positions of assistant general counsel and deputy general counsel. He served as interim general counsel from June through August of 2018, and again this year since January.
In his time at KDE, Allen has provided counsel on many legal issues, including advising multiple offices and the KBE on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; compliance with Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; regulations to update the Kentucky Academic Standards; compliance with state and federal changes to assessment and accountability; labor and employment; and policy and ethics.
“I’m excited to continue my work in this new role providing high-quality support to KDE, the commissioner, the KBE and Kentucky’s 171 public school districts,” Allen said.
A native of Meade County, Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky in 2007 and his law degree from the UK College of Law in 2010. He spent four years as an associate attorney in the Lexington office of Landrum & Shouse LLP, practicing civil litigation which included defense of school districts, officials and staff.
A resident of Lexington, he has served as an officer in the National Council of State Education Attorneys, including as president, and has been chair of the Kentucky Bar Association’s Education Law Section.
Allen’s salary will be $115,000 annually.
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