Well, last year, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a law requiring education commissioner hires to be approved by the Kentucky State Senate.

Robby Fletcher The board's selection for the state's education chief sat before the Senate Education Committee today.

He served as the superintendent of Lawrence County Schools and Eastern Kentucky.

He shared today his philosophy for education across the state.

First and foremost, we need to make sure that each kid is safe because that's why a parent wants more than anything else is for their child return home safely.

Second, they need to be loved.

I think throughout my career, I've done a I've really been focused in on making sure that every child under my care feels loved.

And in the last year, they need to be well-educated.

We need to provide the absolute best for every single child as they come through our doors.

Legislation.

He was pressed about his views on school choice and charter schools.

An issue that will be posed to voters in November.

So I'm in favor of school choice.

Now, there's some operational definitions that we're going to have.

It's going to be different if it passes.

Our role is to make sure that it impacts public education in a positive way and then be beneficial to all students.

Jason Glass, the previous education commissioner and a Beshear ally, had a fractured relationship with the Republican dominated legislature.

Lawmakers reminded Fletcher his potential post doesn't answer to the governor.

You're not under the governor's authority.

You were created and we created Katy.

Apart from the governor, though, he appoints the board.

He is not over the board.

And you are separate entity outside of that.

Yes.

The governor has a lot of input.

Yes, the governor has some great ideas.

But just like even when talking with Senator West, there's not always going to be items that we agree on.

But you know what?

We can have good conversations and listen to people.

The Senate didn't vote to confirm Fletcher today, but they will have to act by midnight on Monday when the session ends.

The hearing in committee today was for informational purposes only.