Kentucky education commissioner, target of Republican ire, finalist for out of state job

Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass is a finalist to become superintendent of the 111,000-student Baltimore County school district, state department of education spokesperson Toni Konz Tatman confirmed.

“Serving as Commissioner in my home state of Kentucky has been an incredible professional honor and I am grateful to the Kentucky Board of Education for giving me this opportunity. Even in the hard times, I have loved every minute of it,” Glass told the Herald-Leader.

He said he was proud of the work he had done to prioritize meaningful student learning, innovation and collaboration with communities.

“I am also grateful to work with the incredible people we have at the Kentucky Department of Education and all of Kentucky’s educators,” Glass said. “At this point in my career, I am seeking a place where our family can put down roots and where I can have a long-term and meaningful impact on an educational system. I look forward to the next steps in the process.”

Tatman said Glass is not looking for another job because Republican lawmakers have criticized his stances on LGBTQ policies and GOP candidates have threatened him with job loss.

Glass’ support of LGBTQ students has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, who in turn urged that he be ousted from his position. He has also been targeted by some GOP candidates in upcoming elections, including in the governor’s race.

Statements that have been made from various gubernatorial candidates in recent weeks and months had zero impact on the commissioner’s decision to seek other opportunities, Tatman said.

“As a seasoned education leader, he has seen and endured plenty of politically motivated attacks over the years. He is seeking opportunities that are the right fit for his family, and that allow him to continue what has been a successful and meaningful career,” said Tatman.

Glass is appreciative of the work that he has done with the General Assembly to prioritize reading instruction, career/technical education and provide greater flexibility for Kentucky’s schools, Tatman said.

“Nevertheless, it is clear to Dr. Glass that the education priorities of the legislature are focused on culture war issues and dismantling the state’s public schools. Commissioner Glass does not share these values and hopes Kentucky can find a way to recommit to supporting its public schools and to creating meaningful learning experiences for all students,” she said.

Kentucky Board of Education Chair Lu S. Young said Glass has been an outstanding, visionary leader who has begun important work.

“I hate to think about Dr. Glass leaving Kentucky,” said Young. “Kentucky United We Learn has gained a lot of momentum in schools, districts, and communities across the commonwealth as we collectively reimagine teaching and learning. My fellow Kentucky Board of Education members and I have sincerely enjoyed our partnership with Commissioner Glass and we do not want to see him go.

“While we understand that he is pursuing other opportunities in the best interest of his family, losing him poses a serious challenge for our board. “

WBAL-TV reported Thursday night that Glass was one of four finalists for the job. The position opened up when Darryl Williams, the current superintendent in Baltimore, announced he wouldn’t seek a new contract, according to WBAL.

Glass has been Kentucky’s Education Commissioner since 2020. Glass, a native of Brandenburg, previously was superintendent and chief learner of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado beginning in 2017 and was superintendent of Eagle County Schools in Colorado from 2013 to 2017, the department website said.

His two children attend Fayette County Public Schools.

The Maryland district is expected to make the announcement sometime in May.