Fletcher sends statement to Lawrence County about new position:
“I am humbled by the support that I have received over the past few weeks in this process, which culminated in yesterday’s Senate confirmation. At first, I was amazed that a guy from the “head of a holler” could have this type of opportunity.
On the other hand, the values and the work ethic with which we have been raised make each of us from our area a great candidate for any position. There is no limit to what a mountain person can do!
As for Lawrence County, I am a true example of what happens when a school community works together to inspire others to dream, to challenge others to persist, and to equip others to succeed. It has been a tremendous honor to serve the kids of Lawrence County, and I look forward to adding a few hundred thousand more!”
-Robbie
All IN,
Dr. Robbie Fletcher
Superintendent, Lawrence County Schools
Here’s what the media is saying…
WUKY
‘The Mark Pope of Kentucky education’: State Senate confirms new education commissioner
Kentucky has a new state education commissioner, now that the state Senate has signed off on his appointment.
Lawrence County Superintendent Dr. Robbie Fletcher sailed through his Senate confirmation — with only one nay vote, from Fayette County Republican Donald Douglas. Many supporters pointed to Fletcher’s strong roots in Kentucky, with Sen. Stephen West likening the now-commissioner to UK’s new men’s basketball coach.
“I believe he may be the Mark Pope of Kentucky education. He knows the program and he will be returning to the program,” West said. “He’s been a lifelong Kentuckian… knows the problems, knows the positives…”
Several lawmakers contrasted Fletcher’s style with that of the previous top education official, Jason Glass, who drew the ire of the right over his vocal opposition to legislation passed in the 2023 session. One senator accused Glass of “continually throwing the legislature under the bus.”
Explaining his departure last year, Glass described Senate Bill 150 — a wide-ranging bill tightening school rules surrounding transgender students, alongside other provisions — as “dangerous and unconstitutional.”
Fletcher has struck a collaborative tone in his public meetings with lawmakers, who have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the communication between previous occupants of the office and the legislature.
As for what to expect, the newly-minted commissioner said, “On that day one is a couple messages: Let’s look at organizational effectiveness but also too let’s also look at are we truly serving the people that are there.”
Fletcher officially takes over the top job on July 1.
WEKU
Northeastern Kentucky Schools Chief Now Officially Heads State Public Education Office
It’s official, a school administrator from eastern Kentucky will take the reins of public education K through 12. It happened on the final day of the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly session.
The Kentucky Senate voted Monday to confirm Lawrence County Schools Superintendent Robbie Fletcher as the state’s new education commissioner. Following the confirmation vote, Fletcher said being a home state educator that knows about school funding and accountability is a plus.
“That knows our kids and knows our people and has been throughout the state. I think that means a lot to people. And as a matter of fact as long as I’ve been superintendent you’d always hear we need a Kentucky person. We need a Kentucky person. Well here’s our chance,” said Fletcher.
When he first got the call saying he’d been hired to serve as Kentucky’s next state education commissioner, Robbie Fletcher said he cried. He said that’s how much it meant to him. Fletcher said SEEK funding needs revisiting to address a gap between property-rich and property-poor districts.
“We want our students that are in our poorest areas to have access to the best teachers too, across the Commonwealth. So, again, I think we have great teachers in all geographic locations, but again, what opportunities are we missing by not addressing that gap,” said Fletcher.
Fletcher’s been the head of the northeastern Kentucky school district since 2014.
He begins his new responsibilities July first.
Here’s more with Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher:
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
