Kentucky Education Commissioner Retiring

Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday says he will retire this summer, ending a six-year stint that included new academic standards and improvements in graduation rates.

Holliday has served as commissioner since July 2009 and will step down effective Aug. 31, ending his 43 years in public education.

State Board of Education Chairman Roger Marcum on Wednesday praised Holliday as "a tireless advocate" for improving schools.

During his tenure, Holliday implemented a state education law that created new academic standards and made changes in assessments and accountability. Also during his time at the Education Department, Kentucky improved its graduation rate and the percentage of students graduating from high school ready for college and careers.

Marcum says the state Board of Education will start discussing a process for selecting a new commissioner.minor criminal charges. The Kentucky Enquirer reports Campbell County District Judge Karen Thomas is leading the effort to begin a Veterans Treatment Court for Campbell, Kenton and Boone counties.