FRANKFORT, Ky. (WHAS11) -- The Kentucky Education Association is fired up over new appointments to the state's Board of Education this week, saying it likely means the firing of Kentucky Commissioner of Education Dr. Stephen Pruitt.
In what it calls more 'backdoor political maneuvering,' the KEA says it's not only a major shake-up in leadership but could be a step closer to charters schools.
The organization representing teachers across the Commonwealth says the purpose of an executive session meeting Tuesday in Frankfort is to oust Dr. Pruitt. This is expected once Louisville businessman Hal Heiner and six others will be sworn into their new roles on the board. Heiner is a big supporter of charter schools and KEA members believe he'll be elected chair of the new 11-member board and will fire Dr. Pruitt.
The KEA took to social media Monday, after learning of Governor Matt Bevin's appointments, saying Dr. Pruitt's been a strong and effective advocate for public schools and public school teachers, and should be allowed to continue as Commissioner. If Pruitt loses his seat, it's unclear who would take control.
A few school districts have taken a very public stance on this issue. A tweet from Marshall County's superintendent, Trent Lovett, says Tuesday's meeting will be "the biggest mistake made in Kentucky in my 30 years of service." He mentioned how Dr. Pruitt was in Marshall County the very next day after the deadly shooting on campus, helping in any way he could.
In Bowling Green, Superintendent Gary Fields wrote an open letter giving his full support to Pruitt, saying "he is the right person to lead the Department of Education."
Tuesday's Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in Frankfort, at which time, members are expected to discuss a personnel issue in executive session.
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