LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Emotions are running high in Nelson County after the school board fired its superintendent.
Wednesday afternoon, a group took to downtown Bardstown to protest the board's decision to fire Superintendent Wes Bradley.
"We support Wes," protestors chanted.
"I just love Wes and I hate what's happening to him," said teacher Kaitlyn Jaggers.
Many staff members are outraged.
The board points to low academic performance and teacher walkouts as reasons for his firing. On Monday, the board cited six reasons to terminate Bradley's contract.
In removing Bradley, the board accused him of: neglect of duty, academic and educational neglect resulting in extremely low academic performance, failure of leadership, failing to act as the professional advisor of the board pursuant to KRS 160 370, engaging in conduct that has created or promoted division and ascension within the district and working relationships have been severely damaged, and engaging in conduct that has resulted in the majority of the board losing trust in him.
Board meeting minutes elaborate on the six reasons. The nearly 100-page document includes a diagnostic review conducted in February 2023 by Cognia, an outside agency used by other Kentucky school districts.
The review found the district created a "strong culture and strategies to support its vision ... (but the) team did not find the same level of focus on academic performance."
The review found Nelson County Schools' state assessment scores to be below state average, in all content areas across all grades during the 2021-22 school year.
The board also referenced teacher walkouts in October 2023 as an example of Bradley's lack of leadership. The district closed school for two days after teachers and staff called out to protest a board decision to potentially merge its two high schools.
The board also included several statements from former Nelson County employees, voicing concerns with Bradley.
The Kentucky Department of Education has received notice of the board's vote to terminate Bradley's contract. It now has 30 days to review the claims made and either accept or deny the termination.
WDRB News asked Jake Thompson, the attorney representing the board, if the board had any comment or anything to add after Monday's vote. You can read his statement below:
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