Unresolved complaints against educators applying for jobs in Kentucky may no longer be flagged online for superintendents as they have been in the past.
The decision by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board to remove the flags is drawing heat from district leaders, who argue the notifications help them avoid hiring educators with worrisome track records.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports acting board executive director Jimmy Adams says the move comes in response to concerns that teachers’ applications are being passed over because of the complaints.
Under the new rule, districts could submit open records requests to see if job candidates had any ongoing complaints against them. The board could confirm if any cases exist, but it could not disclose any further details. Tom Shelton, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, has suggested adding an extra question to all applications inquiring whether candidates have any pending cases before the board.
