WHEELER, WILSON ISSUE STATEMENT ON FLETCHER APPROVAL AS NEW EDUCATION COMMISSIONER
Fletcher is first commissioner confirmed by the Senate
FRANKFORT, KY. (April 15, 2024) – The following are statements from Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, and Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, on the senate confirmation of Dr Robbie Fletcher as Kentucky Board of Education Commissioner .
“I am proud to sponsor Dr. Robbie Fletcher as the new Kentucky education commissioner. Throughout his entire career, Dr Fletcher has demonstrated a passion and advocacy for children in our public schools. Dr. Fletcher has built his leadership style as a servant leader and demonstrated a steadfast diligence to educating Kentucky children at every stop.“
~ Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville
“As the primary sponsor of SB 107, I thought it was imperative the Board of Education commissioner meet regularly with this legislature. I am pleased the board met with the legislature regularly as we sought out the best possible candidate for this critical role advocating for Kentucky’s children. The overwhelming support for Dr. Fletcher, a long-time Kentuckian familiar with our challenges, is an indication of a new day for education in the Commonwealth.”
~ Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green
BACKGROUND
Wilson was the primary sponsor of 2023’s Senate Bill (SB) 107, which implemented reforms to mitigate political influence upon the Kentucky Board of Education and the education commissioner by requiring the education commissioner to be confirmed by the Senate. Among other provisions, the bill also subjects the commissioner to an annual review by the Kentucky Board of Education, and stipulates a 4-year term.
Fletcher is Kentucky’s first commissioner of education to be nominated and approved under the provisions of SB 107.
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Senator Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler is vice chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor, and the Senate Judiciary committees. He is also Capital Planning Advisory Board co-chair. Additionally, Wheeler serves as a member of the Senate Transportation, Natural Resources and Energy, State and Local Government, and Transportation committees.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate131.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wheeler.
Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. He serves as the Senate majority whip and, as a Senate majority leadership member, serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees, and the Rules Committee. Wilson is a member of the Senate Agriculture; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Education; Transportation; and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committees. He also serves as Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee and Public Pension Oversight Board member. Wilson recently served as a 2022 Interim Early Childhood Education Task Force member.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate132.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wilson.
