Kentucky’s education commissioner is leaving the post at the end of summer.
Terry Holliday announced his retirement Wednesday during the state Board of Education meeting in Frankfort. Looking back on his five-year tenure, Holliday said he’s proud of the results.
"We're seeing a much higher graduation rate and a higher percentage of graduates who are ready for college level work, either four-year degrees or technical degrees," Holliday told WKU Public Radio.
He cited lower dropout rates and higher test scores among his other achievements.
Despite major strides, Holliday said the state of education in Kentucky is still a work in progress.
"We've moved from the bottom of the states to above the national average in most regards," added Holliday. "I think Kentucky education is in great shape right now, but it still has a lot of work to do."
Under Holliday’s leadership, Kentucky implemented the controversial Common Core education standards, which are currently under review for possible modification.
Holliday’s retirement is effective August 31.
In 2012, the state Board of Education approved a four-year extension to his initial contract. The contract was to run through August 2017 at a salary of $225, 000 per year.
