EXTRA CONTENT: Kentucky Education Commissioner expected to rule on reciprocal agreement dispute in early March

Read the complete text of Corbin’s appeal, including exhibits, by clicking here.

Read the complete text of Knox County’s response, including exhibits, by clicking here.

Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday is expected to render a decision on the reciprocal agreement dispute between Corbin Independent Schools and Knox County Schools by the first week of March.

Lisa Gross, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Education, said the Holliday received the notice of Corbin’s appeal on March 1. The Holliday has 30 days to consider the matter and render a decision as to weather to uphold Knox County Schools officials’ decision to end the reciprocal agreement that allows students living in the Knox County school district to attend Corbin schools and vice-versa, without paying tuition.

Knox County Schools officials have submitted documentation to the commissioner’s office in response to Corbin’s appeal. Gross said there is no formal response process with either school system free to provide whatever documentation or information officials feel will be helpful.

“The commissioner is free to ask for additional documentation or information from either school system,” Gross said. “There may be some give and take, back and forth.”

While schools officials await a decision, Gross said the Holliday is encouraging them to discuss the matter in an effort to find a resolution.

“The commissioner has sent a letter to both superintendents encouraging both districts to engage in mediation,” Gross said.
The mediator will be a neutral third party with a legal background and will take place at a neutral site.

“The department of education can provide a list of potential mediators if the schools ask,” Gross said.

Whatever decision the commissioner makes may be appealed to the Kentucky Board of Education. Gross said the board will have 60 days to render a decision on the appeal.