FRANKFORT, Ky (LEX 18) — Rumors of backdoor politics quickly spread Tuesday after Governor Bevin appointed new members to the board of education, which led to the commissioner resigning. On Wednesday, Attorney General Andy Beshear said he does not like what he’s seeing.
"I will always stand for public education – wherever I am – whether I’m Commissioner or not. And I will always make a point to remember that it’s about our children, our educators," said Dr. Stephen Pruitt hours before he resigned Tuesday.
With Dr. Pruitt gone and Governor Bevin’s appointees on the Board of Education, some teachers and education advocates worry Governor Bevin will get his way in publicly funded charter schools.
"An amazing amount of backdoor politics. Totally disgusted with what’s going on," said public education advocate Donna Neers.
Governor Matt Bevin repeatedly denied any backdoor political moves, but Attorney General Beshear said on Wednesday that he believes that is exactly what happened Tuesday.
As the board is in closed session, rounds of applause erupt for Dr. Pruitt. He says he doesn’t know if he’ll be fired or not, but he believes they are discussing his job in there. He says it’s been a privilege helping our public school kids. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/8XnRbYat9X
— Karolina Buczek (@Karolina_Buczek) April 17, 2018
"It’s a direct takeover of public education by the governor," said Attorney General Andy Beshear.
Beshear also criticizes Bevin over the Pension Bill, which heads to court Thursday. It is one of several lawsuits between Bevin and Beshear.
On CNBC Wednesday, Governor Bevin made it clear he is not a fan of Beshear’s work, saying, "I’m not on board with just about anything he does. And I’ll tell you why. Does that topic need to be addressed? Yes, but frankly, he’s not a competent attorney."
