Kentucky School Advocate

April 2024

FletcherThe Kentucky Board of Education has selected Lawrence County Superintendent Robbie Fletcher as the state’s next education commissioner. During a virtual meeting, Fletcher thanked KBE for choosing him.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the board, the department, fellow educators, including 171 superintendents, and, most importantly, alongside the students,” he said.

Fletcher has been superintendent of Lawrence County since 2014. Prior to that, he served as a teacher in Williamstown Independent and Bourbon County, and as a high school and middle school principal in Martin County. He started his career in 1996 as a math and science teacher in Martin County.

KBE Chair Sharon Porter Robinson said the board sought a leader who is a statesperson, an instructional leader and a visionary innovator.

In a statement following the announcement, KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling noted Fletcher’s leadership skills at the local level.

“He has proven an exemplary member of the board team in Lawrence County, indicative of what we can expect to see as he takes his considerable talents to the state level,” Schelling said. 

Under a law the General Assembly passed in 2023, Fletcher will face confirmation by the state Senate. 

KennedyAllen Kennedy, former KBSA president and former Hancock County board member, passed away at the age of 76 on Feb. 11. 

Kennedy was a lifelong resident of Hancock County and graduated from Hancock County High School in 1965.  

Allen was a long-time employee of Aleris, starting as an electrician and ascending to management roles after spending four years as president of the Steelworkers Union and concluding his career as a human resources manager

Kennedy served as KSBA’s 44th president from 2015-2017. He also served on the KSBA Board of Directors from 2009-2019. He served 15 years on the Hancock County board. Kennedy also served on the Education Professional Standards Board for seven years. 

Through KSBA’s New Board Member Express (NBME), the association now offers expanded resources for those members recently elected or appointed to office. Visit ksba.org/NBME.aspx for more information. All school board members who are in their first term of service are invited to participate in the NBME webinar series. Registration is required. Those elected/appointed within the past year are strongly encouraged to participate. The remaining April webinar opportunities include:

• April 18 - Introduction to school finance for new board members (FIN 119) 

• April 23 - Legal Orientation I (LGI 100)

Outside of major conferences and webinars, KSBA offers a limited assortment of in-district and self-study (online) training opportunities to help members complete state-mandated training requirements. If you have questions about these options, contact KSBA’s Board Team Development at 800-372-2962 or via email at [email protected]. Information is also available at KSBA.org.

Self-study materials are limited and training credit will only be awarded once for each module over the entire length of board member service. KSBA cannot guarantee that modules will be available year to year, so it is imperative for members to monitor their board hour needs. Prices for in-district options and self-study vary based on topic, length, etc.