Breaking: Koch Out. Achieve's Stephen Pruitt "likely" New Ky Ed Commish

This from Toni Konz at WDBR:

The Kentucky Board of Education announced late Friday that Stephen Pruitt will "likely" be named the next Education Commissioner, pending the outcome of a background check.

Stephen Pruitt

Pruitt is currently senior vice president at Achieve, Inc., an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit education reform organization, where he has served since 2010. Pruitt’s prior experience includes chief of staff, associate state superintendent, director of academic standards, and science and mathematics program manager with the Georgia Department of Education.

“Dr. Pruitt is very excited for the opportunity and has indicated to the board that, if offered the job, he would accept,” Kentucky Board of Education Chair Roger Marcum said. “He brings a wealth of educational experience from the classroom, the state and the national levels. He is personable and a good communicator. The board feels very fortunate to have someone of his caliber and we are confident that Dr. Pruitt will continue to strengthen the tradition of excellence in Kentucky public education.”  

Pruitt was announced as one of two finalists for the position last week.   

The other finalist Christopher Koch, withdrew from consideration Friday afternoon.

Associated Commissioner and General Counsel Kevin Brown is serving as interim commissioner until someone is officially hired.

No start date has been announced for the next commissioner.

Once the background check is complete, Marcum will call a special meeting within the next few weeks.