Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Secretary Hal Heiner announced his resignation from the position on Monday, April 16, 2018 to accept an appointment as a member of the Kentucky Board of Education. His announcement ends a two-and-a-half year term as Secretary. Since his cabinet appointment in December 2015, Heiner has overseen implementation of innovative new programs, such as Work Ready Kentucky Scholarships, Duel Credit Scholarships, and the $100-million Work Ready Skills Initiative. Heiner’s resignation is effective immediately.

Shortly after the announcement of Governor Matt Bevin’s new appointments to the Kentucky Board of Education, the Kentucky Department of Education announced a special meeting, which includes election of Chair and Vice Chair as well as an executive session to discuss the appointment, discipline or dismissal of an individual employee according to KRS 61.810(1)(f). According to a post on the Kentucky Education Association Facebook page, they believe this will be to remove Kentucky Commissioner of Education Dr. Stephen Pruitt. In an interview with WLKY in Louisville on Monday, Dr. Pruitt said all he knows is they are meeting and discussing a personnel action. He added that since he is the only personnel, he will see what happens.