FRANKFORT, Ky. — Commissioner of Education Jason Glass is stepping down from his post on Sept. 29, the Kentucky Department of Education announced Monday.

Often drawing the ire of Republican lawmakers, Glass has accepted a job at Western Michigan University as associate vice president of teaching and learning.

Glass was appointed in 2020 by the Kentucky Board of Education. His four-year contract was set to expire in Sept. 2024.

"These past three years have been a remarkable journey and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to return to my home state and serve as commissioner,” Glass said. “I wish to thank the members of the Kentucky Board of Education for their wisdom and leadership, the staff at the Kentucky Department of Education for their exemplary service and those working in education roles across the state for their continuing efforts to serve and support all of Kentucky’s children. I have a heart full of gratitude.”

In a letter to KBE chair Lu S. Young, Glass said he is “committed to working diligently to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and to provide any necessary support to whomever is selected as an interim or new commissioner.”

Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., said in a statement to Spectrum News 1, "I want to thank Commissioner Glass for his service to Kentucky. I will call on the Kentucky Board of Education to conduct a national search to find the right person to fill this important role and continue to move our education system forward for children across the commonwealth."

Attorney General and current gubernatorial candidate, Daniel Cameron, R-Ky., released a statement regarding Glass' announcement. He said, “Andy Beshear’s Education Commissioner told teachers that if they expressed concern about radical gender ideology, they needed to find another job. That wasn’t the right answer. The right answer is for Jason Glass and Andy Beshear to find other jobs. Today’s news brings us halfway toward that goal, and I’m ready to help Andy Beshear find another job this November.”

“I am confident that the exceptional team we have built together will continue to lead the charge toward a brighter future for Kentucky’s educational landscape,” Glass said.

In Louisville, Marty Pollio, superintendent of the state’s largest school district, was asked about Glass’ departure. “I've got a lot of respect for Dr. Glass,” Pollio said. “He is the champion for education and has done great work. I'll miss him as commissioner but obviously I wish him well.”

Young said the KBE will hold a special-called meeting in mid-August to determine next steps and a timeline for moving forward with an interim commissioner once Glass leaves.

This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.