Kentucky's interim education commissioner has recommended the state take over management of one of the country's largest public school districts.
Wayne Lewis says the results of a more than yearlong audit make it clear that many children in Jefferson County Public Schools have "neither been protected nor served well."
The decision comes nearly two weeks after the newly appointed state Board of Education ousted former Commissioner Stephen Pruitt and replaced him with Lewis, a former high-level appointee in Republican Gov. Matt Bevin's administration.
The district can appeal the decision to the Kentucky Board of Education, which would hold a public hearing.
Lewis says Superintendent Martin Pollio will manage the district. Elected school board members will not be removed from office but serve in an advisory role.