Kentucky lawmakers would be more involved in picking state’s education chief under this bill

At a time when the Kentucky Commissioner of Education is being criticized by some Republican lawmakers over inclusive LGBTQ stances, a bill is advancing through the legislature that would change how the state’s school chief is approved.

The Republican-led Senate on Thursday approved 29-4 Senate Bill 107 requiring Senate approval for the Kentucky Commissioner of Education.

Under current law, the Kentucky Board of Education hires the commissioner and the governor appoints state board members who are confirmed by the Senate.

Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, said in a floor speech that under Senate Bill 107, the Commissioner would be approved by the Senate and the Commissioner’s term would be limited to four years.

Wilson said the bill that he sponsored establishes the Kentucky Board of Education Nomination Committee which would nominate state board member candidates from Kentucky’s Supreme Court Districts. The governor would make appointments from the nominees.

The intent, Wilson said, is to mitigate political influence.

Lu S. Young, chair of the Kentucky Board of Education, said in an email she has concerns that the bill would impede progress.

“I worry that Senate Bill 107 would reverse the progress we have made during the past three decades and return the state to a time when the leadership of Kentucky’s public schools was determined by political capital and connections, not professional experience,” Young said.

“Currently, the Kentucky Department of Education operates independently, which allows the commissioner to focus on what truly matters — our students and educators,” she said.

In Spring 2021, Young said, the General Assembly took steps toward stabilizing the Kentucky Board of Education by requiring board appointments to maintain a balance in gender, race and political representation and that the legislation is having the desired result.

“The KBE stands unified in support of the way we select our state education chief and we remain committed to ensuring every student has access to high-quality, lifelong learning,” she said.