FRANKFORT | Choosing a day to remember for the announcement, Kentucky Education Commissioner Dr. Terry Holliday announced on April 1, he will be retiring later this summer.
Holliday has served as commissioner since July 2009.
He will be retiring Aug. 31, he said.
In a letter to Kentucky Board of Education officials Holliday wrote, “I am humbled and very proud to end my 43 years in public education by serving the commonwealth of Kentucky. For the last six years, it has been my honor to work with an outstanding and supportive governor, a committed State Board of Education, a high performing Department of Education staff and passionate educators across the commonwealth. Thank you for allowing me to serve the children of this great state.”
Holliday’s contract was extended in 2012 to serve as commissioner through Aug. 4. 2017, at a salary of $225,000 per year.
“…Holliday has been an outstanding public servant and advocate for students, teachers and school districts in the commonwealth throughout his remarkable career,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “His leadership has helped Kentucky develop a world-class education system for our students, and Kentucky is recognized as a trailblazer for meaningful education reform and improvements.”
Under his guidance, Kentucky was the first state to adopt and implement the Common Core State Standards, Beshear said.
Commissioner Holliday has worked to implement the balanced assessment and accountability system mandated by Senate Bill 1 and worked with Beshear to raise the compulsory school age in Kentucky from 16 to 18, Beshear said.
The announcement came as a surprise to some legislators.
“Dr. Holliday has worked very hard and is an accomplished educator,” said State Rep. Mike Denham. “We have not always agreed but I do believe he has always had the best interest of students at heart. He has been amicable and very good to work with.”
Prior to coming to Kentucky, Holliday served as superintendent, associate superintendent, director of accountability, principal, assistant principal, director of instrumental music and band director in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Kentucky Board of Education Chair Roger Marcum said the board will begin to discuss a process for selecting a new commissioner later.
