Terry Holliday

Kentucky Education Commissioner Diagnosed with Vocal Disorder

Kentucky Public Radio's Brenna Angel — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:35:46 +0000

The Commissioner of Education in Kentucky has been diagnosed with a neurological voice disorder that’s limiting his ability to talk normally. Dr. Terry Holliday started noticing symptoms last September, and by December his voice had dramatically deteriorated.

After ruling out cancer, Holliday made appointments with several specialists.

“I’ve been diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, which is basically your vocal cords freeze up," Holliday said.

A cause of the condition is unknown but fortunately it’s not life-threatening. Spasmodic dysphonia is the same disorder that affects public radio host Diane Rehm.

Southern Kentucky School System in Line for State Takeover

Lisa Autry — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:49:53 +0000

The State Board of Education will meet in special session Wednesday to consider taking over management of a southeast Kentucky school system. The Monticello Independent school district has waived its right to appeal a state takeover. The problems plaguing Monticello schools are not academic.

A financial analysis by the Kentucky Department of Education finds enrollment is declining while expenditures remain too high for the size of the district.

A revenue forecast dated January 7of this year estimates the general fund for Monticello will end the current school year with a negative balance of more than a million dollars. Additionally, the state last month had to advance over $700,000 to Monticello to continue operating and make payroll.

Kentucky Education Foundation Aims to Foster New, Innovative Academic Programs

Associated Press — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 10:30:16 +0000

Kentucky is about to officially start a nonprofit education foundation modeled after one in Colorado and aimed at attracting funding for innovative school programs. State Education Commissioner Terry Holliday on Wednesday will deliver paperwork to the secretary of state's office incorporating the new Fund for Transforming Education.

In Kentucky, Only 25% of Children are Prepared for Kindergarten

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 18:21:10 +0000

Just one in four children in the state is prepared for kindergarten, according to preliminary data presented to the Kentucky Board of Education on Tuesday. The preliminary data is showing that 24 percent to 28 percent of children are considered prepared for kindergarten, said Karen Dodd, director of strategic planning for the education department.

Kentucky Education Commissioner Warns of Low Test Scores

Associated Press — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:22:45 +0000

Kentucky Commissioner of Education Terry Holliday is warning districts to expect low scores in reading and math when the results of new state tests are revealed. In a blog post Tuesday in a newsletter for teachers, Holliday said scores will be lower in reading and math because the tests are based on benchmarks from new guidelines the state has adopted for English and mathematics.