Commissioner backs attempt to axe Montgomery superintendent

MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Education Commissioner has approved the Montgomery County school board’s decision to remove Joshua Powell as superintendent, but says Powell is still entitled to a due-process hearing.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports commissioner Terry Holliday wrote a letter to school board chairwoman Alice Anderson Monday, confirming the board had used "competent and relevant evidence" when it unanimously voted to remove Holliday last month.

Powell had been accused of improperly hiring his wife to a district director position. Numerous employees had also complained of personnel management issues.

The board suspended Powell in January, prompting a lawsuit from him.

Holliday has encouraged the parties to reach a resolution so that the dispute will not be a distraction as the new school year approaches.

Powell’s contract expires on June 30.