During his tenure, Holliday implemented many reform efforts, including Senate Bill 1 (2009) that mandated new academic standards, new aligned assessments and a balanced accountability system; a Professional Growth and Effectiveness System for teachers, principals and superintendents; and a comprehensive system of school and district improvement planning and support.
Under his leadership, Kentucky has improved both its graduation rate and the percentage of students who graduate from high school ready for college and careers.
In October 2014, the National Association of State Boards of Education named Holliday its Policy Leader of the Year and in March 2015, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards named Holliday the recipient of the prestigious 2015 James A. Kelly Award.
Prior to coming to Kentucky, Holliday served as superintendent, associate superintendent, director of accountability, principal, assistant principal, director of instrumental music and band director in North Carolina and South Carolina.
In 2012, the Kentucky Board of Education approved a four-year extension to his initial contract. The contract was to run through August 4, 2017 at a salary of $225,000 per year.
The board will begin to discuss a process for selecting a new commissioner later today.
