Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

Seven new members have been appointed to the Kentucky Board of Education which means that the majority of the board has been reconfigured. Shortly after the new board met, Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt resigned which appears to have been the result of policy differences. Gov. Bevin has been criticized for stacking the board with pro-charter school appointees. But then again it's the governor's prerogative to appoint members to boards that reflect his vision. Considering that Kentucky historically ranks near the bottom in education compared to other states, change appears to be in order and charter schools have been proposed as an alternative to help improve student achievement. When performance is lagging, change is necessary, and while change may be painful, it's bound to come to any governing board.