Three finalists picked in search for next education commissioner. All work in Kentucky.

Three Kentucky educators, all of whom have experience as superintendents in the state, have been named as finalists for the commonwealth’s next education commissioner.

The candidates include:

Buddy Berry: Berry has been serving as superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools in Henry County since 2010. He began his teaching career as a high school math teacher in Owen and Jefferson counties.

A native of Eminence, Berry earned his doctorate in education leadership from Northern Kentucky University, a superintendent certification from Eastern Kentucky University, a master’s in instructional leadership from Bellarmine University, a master’s in secondary counseling from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s in mathematics education from the University of Kentucky.

Robbie Fletcher: Fletcher serves as the superintendent of Lawrence County Schools, a position he has held since July 2014. Prior to this role, he served as a part-time faculty member at Asbury University, and as a principal, assistant principal and mathematics teacher in Martin County.

Fletcher earned a doctorate in education and a superintendency certification from Morehead State University, a master’s in supervision and administration from the University of Kentucky, and a bachelor’s in mathematics from Morehead State University.

Jim Flynn: Flynn serves as the executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, a position he has held since 2019. He served as the superintendent of Simpson County Schools from 2003 to 2019. Flynn has also held positions as a high school principal in Shelby County, and served as vice principal and high school science teacher in Warren County.

Flynn holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Kentucky University, a master’s in biology and secondary education from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, and a bachelor’s in biology from Western Kentucky University.

“I am extremely excited about the potential opportunity for helping enable educational excellence for Kentucky and honored to be considered for this position,” Berry told the Herald-Leader after Monday’s announcement. “ I believe Kentucky can be the most innovative educational system in the nation.”

“It’s an honor to be considered with Dr. Berry and also with Dr. Flynn. They are quality educators but more importantly quality individuals,” Fletcher said.

“Regardless of the outcome its always an honor to serve students,” Fletcher said.

Flynn said he was honored and excited about the momentum in the Commonwealth for providing every student with a personalized education program around their talents, skills, dispositions, and aspirations for a successful life.

Flynn said he was confident state school board members will make the right decision for Kentucky.

“ I will always be committed to public education and feel strongly Kentucky’s best days are in front of us,” Flynn said.

There were 15 applicants for the commissioner job, and a Kentucky Board of Education interview committee voted Friday to recommend three candidates as finalists.

The full Kentucky Board of Education will interview the finalists in Louisville on March 18-19. They hope to have a new commissioner named and submitted to the Kentucky Senate for consideration of confirmation by the end of the month.

“Kentucky’s future rests on this selection,” said Brigitte Blom, The Prichard Committee President/CEO, as she wished the candidates well.

“It’s time to remember Kentucky’s standing nationally as a leader in improving education outcomes in the 1990s and early 2000s,” Blom said in a statement. “It’s critical we get back to drawing national attention for progress and strength in education. Solid, stable leadership focused on clear and measurable goals for the future is imperative.”

The Education Commissioner opening follows the resignation of Jason Glass, who said in August 2023 he was leaving the job and the state because he didn’t want to enforce the “dangerous and unconstitutional” Senate Bill 150 that critics called an anti-LGBTQ measure.

GOP lawmakers and politicians urged Glass’ ouster over the department’s inclusive LGBTQ stances.

The Commissioner of Education is the chief state school officer and oversees the daily operations of the Kentucky Department of Education and acts as superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Blind, the Kentucky School for the Deaf and the 50 area technology centers.

The firm McPherson & Jacobson LLC began the commissioner search in December. The firm has placed more than 750 superintendents and other officials in public and nonprofit organizations across the country.

Robin Fields Kinney is serving as interim commissioner of education until a new leader is named. The board and Kinney agreed that she would not be considered a candidate for the permanent position, a news release said. Kinney has been serving in the role since Sept. 30.

This is a developing story and may be updated.