Another Kentucky education commissioner candidate says he’s not the finalist. One man is left

A second finalist has told the Herald-Leader he will not be named Kentucky’s next education commissioner, leaving Lawrence County Superintendent Robbie Fletcher as the presumed chosen candidate.

Eminence Superintendent Buddy Berry said in an email Thursday, “I can confirm that I’m not the candidate.”

The Kentucky Department of Education announced Tuesday it had selected the commissioner of education finalist, but declined to name the candidate until contract negotiations were complete.

On Wednesday, finalist Jim Flynn, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents and former Simpson County Superintendent, told the Herald-Leader he was not the candidate who had entered into a contract with the state school board.

Fletcher, the only remaining finalist, did not respond to a request asking for comment.

For the first time under a new law, the Kentucky Senate will have to confirm the education commissioner.

Kentucky Department of Education officials said they will announce the candidate at 1 p.m. Thursday.

The position is open following the resignation of Jason Glass last fall.

This is a developing story and may be updated.