Education

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Moves To Right A Wrong


Fulfiling a promise made on the campaign trail, newly sworn-in Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an executive order replacing all members of the Board of Education on his first day in office, with the hopes of replacing the state education commissioner. When Andy Beshear announced his candidacy for governor of Kentucky, he made education a focal point of his campaign. On the heels of teacher protests amid pension reform legislation, Beshear promised to fight for public education. He made this promise while announcing educator Jacqueline Coleman as his running mate, furthering his commitment.  

Now-former Governor Matt Bevin was known for his abrasive rhetoric towards teachers. His support of pension reform, charter schools, and tax credits for private schools were viewed by many as attacks on public education. Once Bevin had appointed enough members of the Board of Education, a new commissioner of education was appointed.

An ally of the governor and a staunch supporter of charter schools, Commissioner Wayne Lewis made a name for himself in the state capital. Not surprisingly, he lobbied for charter school funding. He also accused respected advocates of lying when they disagreed with him. He even requested the names of teachers who participated in a “sick-out” in protest of pension legislation. These issues—along with others—became central in the gubernatorial campaign.

Governor Bevin also reorganized several boards related to education during his administration, something Beshear sued Bevin over as Attorney General. However, the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bevin and Beshear is now using that to his advantage.

Some have said Beshear shouldn’t make these moves, given his prior opposition to board reorganizations. This is the first time a governor has made such a move with the Department of Education since the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act. That legislation—among other things—sought to remove politics from education and created staggered terms for board members who would then hire the commissioner. However, some might argue the precedent set by the courts gave him the ability.

But Governor Beshear didn’t just use that as a justification. He is clearly making the case he is righting a wrong. In his executive order, Beshear pointed to conflicts of interest and a lack of experience among board members. He called out the hiring of the commissioner without conducting a national search. And he mentioned that current board members “accepted plane tickets, hotel rooms, and conference fees from an organization closely tied with registered lobbyists” who lobby the Department and the Board of Education.

While the new board has planned to meet, the existing board members have sued and filed for an injunction. A judge denied the injunction though the board members are set to appeal. The new board is still set to meet tomorrow where they will meet to consider the termination of the existing commissioner and begin the process for a national search. Much will ride on the decision of the courts, but the legislature could act as well when it comes into session at the start of the year. Republicans have majorities in both chambers and can override a veto with just a simple majority, but it is unclear if they are willing to take on the new governor on this issue.



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