FRANKFORT, Ky. — A new leader officially took the helm of Kentucky’s education department, following the resignation of former commissioner Jason Glass.

What You Need To Know

  • Robin Fields Kinney was named interim commissioner of education following Jason Glass' resignation 

  • Kinney has worked with the Kentucky Department of Education since 2015 

  • Until a permanent hire is made, Kinney will serve in the role 

Robin Fields Kinney started her tenure as interim commissioner Oct. 2 and will serve until a permanent selection is chosen.

Since 2018, the Kentucky Department of Education has had five people serve as commissioner in permanent and interim capacities. The latest is Kinney.

“It has been challenging. I won’t shy away from that. It has been challenging. We would like continuity. I think a lot of people would like continuity, but the veterans that we have here know what to do,” Kinney said.

Kinney has been with the KDE since 2015 as an associate commissioner of finance.

“I feel very comfortable talking with legislators about the budget of K-12 education as that was in my former role,” Kinney said.

Until a permanent replacement for former commissioner Jason Glass is hired, Kinney will serve in the role. Her main objective: keeping operations running smoothly.

“Just continue to have timely responses to our school districts, supporting them and students. It’s important that we have the department in a very good place for when the next permanent commissioner comes along and takes over,” Kinney said.

Kinney also commented on SB150 and trans student rights as she’ll be leading the department through the election season.

“We value each child and we value every child,” Kinney said.

Kinney did not know how long a permanent hire would take. She said last time it took eight months.

Kinney also served as interim commissioner for six days in 2019.

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