Draud was one of four finalists for the position, which was vacated in November 2006. Kevin M. Noland, deputy commissioner and general counsel for the Kentucky Department of Education, has served as interim commissioner during this time.
“The board is very pleased with the selection of Jon Draud as commissioner,” said chair Joe Brothers. “He has been a middle and high school teacher, a school principal, a district superintendent, member of a local board of education and a legislator. Jon has won numerous awards in the positions in which he has served. The breadth and depth of his experience are evidence of his strong commitment to education, and he has received the support of our education partners, legislators and citizenry.”
“I applied for the position of commissioner because I am confident that I can provide the leadership necessary to accomplish the education goals of our Commonwealth,” said Draud. “I feel very well prepared for this position. Kentucky’s education stakeholders have offered tremendous support, and I feel a sense of urgency to rekindle the spirit of the reform movement of 1990 so that our schools can reach proficiency. Cooperation and collaboration will be the keys to our success.”
Draud is currently a state legislator, representing Kentucky’s 63rd District, and has been vice-chair of the House Education Committee since 1999.
He also serves as director of School/University Partnerships at Northern Kentucky University. Draud has served as an associate professor at NKU; superintendent of the Ludlow Independent school district; assistant superintendent of Lockland (Ohio) Public Schools; member of the Kenton County Board of Education; and a school principal and teacher.
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Kentucky University; a master’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati; and a doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.
Among his many honors, Draud is a 2007 recipient of the Paul Mason Legislative Advocate for Children Award, presented by the Kentucky Parent Teacher Association. He also served on the Southern Regional Education Board’s board of directors in 2005 and has served on many state government task forces.
The process to select a commissioner of education began when the board identified the desired characteristics of a successful candidate. A nationwide search was conducted to recruit candidates, and the board strongly encouraged Kentucky candidates to apply. The board solicited and received input from stakeholder groups, the general public and references. More than 50 applications were received, with approximately half from Kentuckians. The board narrowed the applicants to a list of semi-finalists, then selected four finalists for interviews.
Draud will begin work immediately, but his official start date has not yet been determined. His salary will be $220,000 per year, plus housing and relocation expenses. Draud will enter into a four-year contract with the board.
SOURCE: KDE press release.
Photo: Cincinnati Enquirer
Brad Hughes at KSBA reports, "His exact start date has not been set, as he must resign his position in the House of Representatives and wrap up a post he holds at Northern Kentucky University."
Background on Draud from Kentucky School News and Commentary.
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