Kentucky Department of Education 2020 Commissioner Search

(FRANKFORT, KY) – The contract between the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the executive search firm that will lead the search for Kentucky’s next education commissioner has been finalized.

The contract was signed March 23 by representatives of KDE and Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc., which was chosen March 18 by the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) to execute the search.

The contract calls for Greenwood/Asher to:

  • Work with KBE members to define desired attributes and qualifications of candidates;
  • Locate and identify qualified candidates through national recruiting, national advertising and contacting sources;
  • Review and screen candidate submissions to determine whether they meet the qualifications and eligibility requirements;
  • Meet and/or consult with KBE to select candidates for interviews and work with the board through the interview process; and
  • Conduct reference checking for all candidates and conduct background checks on candidates selected by KBE.

The contract is effective through June 30, but subject to renewal, and is valued at up to $149,050.

Greenwood/Asher, based in Miramar Beach, Fla., specializes in leading executive searches in the education arena. The firm headed up the searches for former Kentucky Education Commissioners Terry Holliday and Stephen Pruitt.

Betty Asher, one of the firm’s partners, told KBE that the firm is continuing its work of conducting searches for clients during the current mandates for social distancing and restrictions on public gatherings to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

She said the firm is doing much of its work online.

“We have to work a little bit harder,” Asher said. “… If we get high-quality candidates who are engaged and want to move forward in the process, I certainly think we can present everything you need.”

You can view the full contract on the KDE website.

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