FRANKFORT, Ky. — For the first time Friday afternoon, lawmakers heard from Robbie Fletcher, who will be the new leader of the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).
He was introduced to the Senate Education Committee, taking questions and providing insight on his vision for the department and K-12 education in Kentucky.
Fletcher is current superintendent of Lawrence County Schools, a position he has served since 2014. He said there are three things he looks for as a leader in K-12 education: is the child safe, loved and being well educated?
“There’s no greater honor, there’s no greater trust, there’s no greater responsibility than when someone tells you, 'I’m going to send my child to your school,'" Fletcher said.
The Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) named Fletcher commissioner last month, and he is a career educator with nearly 30 years of experience. He will replace former commissioner Jason Glass, who resigned last year. Glass resigned after taking issue with Senate Bill 150 and other bills he considered discriminatory to LGBTQ+ students.
Fletcher said his biggest priority is improving the state’s math and reading scores. According to his testimony, Fletcher has experience of getting numerous schools from low-performing levels to an acceptable level.
“I think it comes down to making sure, first of all, use formulative assessments that are scientifically based to see each child’s need, and then we come up with a plan for each child to meet their need," he said.
Pressed on school choice from education committee chairman, State Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, Fletcher said he supports it. A proposed constitutional amendment allowing lawmakers to use public funds for non-public school education passed the legislature. Now, voters need to approve or reject it.
“I think the role of KDE is to make sure that we can make that happen financially in a way that our public schools are still strong and have the financial means that they need," Fletcher said.
Fletcher began his career in K-12 education in 1996 as a math and science teacher. He was principal at his high school before being promoted to superintendent.
State Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, said a lifelong Kentuckian is the perfect fit to lead KDE.
“I know where your heart is, you are (a) servant leader and I notice your colleagues back here; it shows the support they have of you," Wise said.
Fletcher also touted the state's budget for education, agreeing it was the best budget for K-12 schools he has ever seen. However, he admitted he would like to see more allotment in the next budget cycle.
The commissioner designate also touted his colleagues around him and said he plans to work with lawmakers to improve the educational outlook in the commonwealth.
Fletcher is the first commissioner who still needs Senate approval. Lawmakers changed the process with legislation last session.
Fletcher will start his role July 1 if he gets approval from the full Senate.