BOWLING GREEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 1211 CENTER STREET BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY 42101 (270) 746-2200 GARY FIELDS, SUPERINTENDENT

An Open Letter in Support of Dr. Stephen Pruitt: Governor Matt Bevin has announced the appointments of seven new members to serve on the Kentucky Board of Education. These individuals will be sworn in tomorrow, April 17, 2018, and join four previously appointed members, all charged with developing and adopting regulations that govern Kentucky’s public school districts and the Kentucky Department of Education. On the agenda for tomorrow’s Special Meeting of the Kentucky Board of Education is an Executive Session for Discussion of the Appointment, Discipline or Dismissal of an Individual Employee. The Kentucky Board of Education only has authority over one public employee: the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Stephen Pruitt. Dr. Pruitt has worked as a servant leader of Kentucky Public Schools since the fall of 2015. As a former high school chemistry teacher himself, he understands the role and determination of educators in our Commonwealth and he pushes schools to create opportunities for all students. Both his high expectations and compassion are evident in the policies and directives he has led, and also in face-to-face conversations that he has with other government leaders, educators, parents and students. As Commissioner, Dr. Pruitt has visited our schools and met with our teachers, administrators, and most importantly, our students. He has been in classrooms, participated in school tours led by students, sat on the floor, asked questions, and is always genuinely interested in the work of our schools. On one visit, he stayed longer than planned because students lined up to show him their work, while offering a high five or a hug. Another example of his servant leadership occured on January 23rd of this year. After receiving the call about the tragic school shooting in Marshall County, he and members of his staff traveled to Benton, Kentucky to go to work. He advised his staff to not bring suits and ties, but jeans. They were not going for media or public attention, but to support Marshall County Schools in their time of need. Pruitt spoke to other State Education Chiefs in March to share what he learned from that experience. In his speech he said, “I don’t care what your political persuasion is; what I care about is we have children that need us. We have an incredible role to play partnering with districts and educators.” Today I request all Kentucky educators, parents, legislators, and residents join me in asking the newly formed Kentucky Board of Education to not terminate Dr. Stephen Pruitt at Tuesday’s meeting. He is the right person to lead the Department of Education and the right person to support all children of the Commonwealth. Sincerely, Gary Fields