By Brad Hughes
Special to NKyTribune
Kentucky’s next commissioner of education may be a woman or a man, white or black, currently in public education or in the private sector. But the next CEO of the state Department of Education won’t be a Kentuckian.
Eminence Independent Schools Superintendent Buddy Berry, one of five individuals interviewed for the post by the Kentucky Board of Education last weekend, confirmed Tuesday that he is not one of the two unidentified candidates still under consideration.
“Being selected as a finalist is one of the most humbling honors of my life. There are many Kentuckians that I feel could lead this charge, so to be selected to represent our state in this process was a real blessing,” Berry said in a statement released late this morning. “I believe being a finalist has been a testament to all the hard work of our students and staff at Eminence and of our focus on increasing the future of what schools can be. I feel Kentucky stands poised for unprecedented educational achievements.
“While I’m disappointed to not be chosen, Kentucky is, and always will be, my home and I can’t thank the Kentucky Board of education enough for allowing me to be a part of the conversation for its future,” he said. “I fully support and trust their expertise on whomever they select to lead Kentucky’s schools.”
The other candidates interviewed over the weekend are:
The five interviewed over the weekend were (see full profiles here):
• Kathleen M. Airhart
• Christopher A. Koch
• Lloyd D. Martin
• Stephen L. Pruitt
On Saturday, the KBE announced that two applicants were to receive additional in-depth background checks. This week, KDE staff are working with the state board’s search consultant, Greenwood/Asher and Associates, to employ a specialized firm or individual to conduct the more thorough – and more expensive – investigations into the work and lives of those two applicants. It’s estimated that the reviews will cost $4,000 to $5,000 for each person.
Marcum said he hopes to call the KBE into a special meeting in the next two to three weeks to take the next step in the hiring process, once the background check reports have been presented and reviewed.
When former Commissioner Terry Holliday announced his plans to retire Aug. 31, the state board sought input from stakeholder groups and the general public about key qualities they felt the next commissioner needs to possess.
After that process, KBE Chairman Roger Marcum acknowledged that many comments advocated the importance of a Kentuckian – or at least someone thoroughly familiar with Kentucky’s education system and its challenges and opportunities – to get the job. Marcum repeatedly stated that, while he would be pleased if a Kentuckian was the final selection, the state board was committed to choosing the best candidate for the position, regardless of where he or she came from.
Marcum said Tuesday in an email that he felt it would not be appropriate to make a comment at this time.
As of today, Kevin C. Brown, associate commissioner and general counsel at the Department of Education, is the agency’s interim commissioner. He will serve until the new commissioner begins work, a timetable Marcum said would be within 60 to 90 days after the appointment.
Brad Hughes is director of member support for the Kentucky School Boards Association and writes for its eNews service.