FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky State Senate confirmed Lawrence County Schools superintendent Robbie Fletcher as the new commissioner of education April 15 for the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). 

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky State Senate confirmed Robbie Fletcher as education commissioner in April 

  • He is the current superintendent of Lawrence County Schools 

  • Kentucky continues to rank near the bottom in teacher salaries 

  • Fletcher starts July 1 

There are several areas Kentucky needs to improve in when it comes to education, such as a teacher shortage, low test scores and chronic absenteeism. 

Fletcher doesn’t start as commissioner until July 1 but said he already has a vision for Kentucky education, including performance accountability, fighting for more resources and eventually universal pre-K education. 

One of his major goals is improving the state’s test scores. Latest data shows less than half of Kentucky students perform at least a proficient level in all subjects.

He also may be tasked to tackle school choice, as voters will be asked whether state funds can be used for private and charter schools in November. 

“When I walk in that booth, I’m going to vote against the amendment," Fletcher said. "But on the other hand, I’m a public servant. If the people of the commonwealth vote for this, it will be my job to help implement that in the best way possible."

In the state budget, lawmakers increased funding for the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) formula and Tier 1 schools. Fletcher said it’s the best education budget he has ever seen; however, he will continue to fight for more resources, including a bump in teacher pay. Kentucky continues to be toward the bottom in the U.S. for educator salaries.

“We want to make sure we invest in our people that are going to work with our most prized resource, and that’s our students," Fletcher said.

Fletcher has also said he will advocate for universal pre-K education. It's something he implemented in Lawrence County.

“When we got (Emergency and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding ... one of our main focuses was universal pre-K, so we made sure that every student had the opportunity," Fletcher said. "If their family wanted them in preschool, they could do that."

Along with serving as superintendent in Lawrence County, Fletcher has worked as a teacher and principal. He comes into the role with nearly 30 years of experience and replaces former commissioner Jason Glass, who resigned last fall. 

Related Stories