How do you define public school success?

Probably depends on where you sit. Are you a teacher? A parent? Are you an involved community volunteer? Or, perhaps you are a person who follows stories about public schools in the media?

Whoever you are, you have a chance to talk personally with Kentucky’s new education commissioner at a series of meetings around the state, starting today, March 14, and you should embrace this opportunity.

Public support for public schools is key to success. So, hearing from the public about our highest hopes and deepest concerns regarding children’s education is crucial for education leaders.

Commissioner Stephen Pruitt is kicking off the sessions tonight in Shelbyville from 6:30-8 p.m. at The Blair Center at Southside Elementary.  The session in Louisville is on April 21 at Seneca High School.

Pruitt arrived in the Commonwealth last Fall and has embraced his new position with enthusiasm and deep seriousness. He reminds Kentuckians of their national reputation in education reform.

He said the input collected at these meetings will assist him and his staff in developing a new and more effective accountability system – one of his key priorities.

“It is my goal to collaborate with legislators, educators, students and the public to produce a system that is fair, reliable, valid and easier to understand than what we have now,” Pruitt said.

I urge you to attend. I find Commissioner Pruitt inspiring and authentic. He has a big job and we need to support him in his efforts to further improve public education in Kentucky.

Here’s a link to his blog, which includes the details about the who, what, when and where on the Education Town Hall Meetings.