Kentucky’s education commissioner is out. A JCPS audit is looming. What it means for schools

An abrupt shakeup at the Kentucky Education Department could have far-reaching impact on the future of the state’s public schools. So, what’s happened so far? After criticism from the governor and pressure from the state education board, Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt resigned Tuesday. An interim leader is already in place. That’s on top of seven new…

Here’s what Kentucky lawmakers did—and did not—get done this session

A lawmaking session that started with a sexual harassment scandal and featured a monthslong fight over pension reform ended Saturday, leaving behind raw feelings after a public showdown between Kentucky teachers and their elected officials. Here’s what happened with the key issues and controversial proposals the legislature debated during the 2018 session. Pension reform Republican…

Beshear to Bevin: Release your tax returns. I do.

FRANKFORT– Attorney General Andy Beshear released his 2017 income tax returns Monday and urged every office holder, including Gov. Matt Bevin, “to embrace transparency and release their returns.” Beshear, a Democrat, also said he filed his annual financial disclosure statement with the Executive Branch Ethics Commission on April 9. Beshear’s chief political opponent, Bevin, has declined…

Heiner resigns as Sec. of Education and Workforce Development, accepts appointment to Board of Education

Gov. Matt Bevin’s one-time political rival Hal Heiner, resigned Monday as the cabinet Secretary of Education and Workforce Development, and has accepted the governor’s appointment to the Kentucky Board of Education. “I am grateful for Sec. Heiner’s skilled and selfless leadership of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet over these past two and a half…