State Rep. Draud Says He is Education Board Semifinalist
By Raviya H. Ismail, The Lexington Herald-Leader, Ky.
Oct. 24–A state legislator, who is a former superintendent, is among the semifinalists for Kentucky’s top education job.
Rep. Jon Draud, R-Edgewood, a House education committee member, said he became interested in the position after state board of education members indicated they wanted a Kentucky educator as commissioner.
“I think as a commissioner I’d have a lot more influence on education than a minority member of the legislature,” he said. “I could have more of an impact.”
The board has not officially released the names of the candidates for the post, vacated last November when former Commissioner Gene Wilhoit took a job with an education advocacy group in Washington, D.C. Board members will meet Sunday in Frankfort to select three finalists and expect to name a new commissioner on Nov. 13.
Another candidate, Marion County Superintendent Roger Marcum, pulled out of the race last week, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and continue work as an education administrator on a local level. He declined to comment on Draud’s candidacy.
The state board reopened the commissioner search after hiring controversial Illinois educator Barbara Erwin in May. She resigned shortly before she would have started work in July amid controversy over errors on her resume and criticism of her leadership in previous districts. She was most recently involved in a police investigation into her missing personnel file from the St. Charles, Ill., school district.
The board paid an Iowa-based firm $50,000 to conduct the first search and did not release the names of finalists until urged by Gov. Ernie Fletcher. This time, the board is trying to keep the process more open by releasing the names of finalists and is focused on hiring a Kentucky educator.
Draud has a good reputation as an educator, said Susan Weston, former director of the Kentucky Association of School Councils.
“He’s a collaborative person between House and Senate,” said Weston. “He’s got a reputation as a constructive legislator, which is a different role than a commissioner.”
Education board Chairman Joe Brothers would not confirm or deny that Draud was a semifinalist.
“We’re going to release names (of finalists) on Sunday, in fairness to the other applications, but also in fairness to Rep. Draud as well,” Brothers said.
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