FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education Jason Glass will step down on Sept. 29, one year before the end of his four-year contract. During his tenure, he worked to ensure that the voices of students were also heard.

According to Peter Jefferson, who is on the Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council, Glass always attended the council’s monthly meetings.

“He was heavily involved, giving us feedback and just being visible and working with us every time we came to the table with him,” said Jefferson.

After nearly three years into his role as education commissioner, Glass has taken a job at Western Michigan University as associate vice president of teaching and learning.

“My decision to leave was influenced by the political situation that we find ourselves in in Kentucky but also in many other places across the nation,” said Glass.

Glass’ stance on certain issues, such as honoring trans students’ pronouns and names, did not sit well with Kentucky Republicans.

“I do not wish to be part of implementing the dangerous and unconstitutional anti-LGBTQI law that the legislature passed this last session, so it is time for me to move on,” said Glass.

Even amid the current political climate, Glass is grateful to have had this opportunity and is proud of the work that the Kentucky Department of Education has done with the Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council during his tenure.

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the students in Kentucky,” said Glass. “I’ve met so many of them and that’s maybe been the best part of this job.”

A special meeting will be held in mid-August to discuss the next steps for identifying who will be the interim commissioner after Glass leaves.