Beyond Pay: Kentucky’s Path to a Strong Education Workforce
October 16, 2025
Building the Workforce Kentucky’s Students Deserve
Across the Commonwealth, superintendents are confronting the same challenge: how to attract and keep the high-quality educators and staff every student deserves. Compensation matters, but as Kentucky’s education leaders know, it is not sufficient on its own. Building a durable education workforce requires clearing certification bottlenecks, aligning professional learning to the real work of teaching, reducing outdated mandates, and empowering local accountability grounded in United We Learn.
KASS’s 2026 priorities
point the way forward: recruit and retain high-quality teachers and staff, study and remove outdated mandates, and build momentum for an accountability system aligned to United We Learn, a model that supports innovation and meaningful measures of student learning.
The Workforce Reality: Vacancies, Turnover, and Competition for Talent
Recent data from the Kentucky Department of Education’s 2023–24 Educator Shortage Report
show that 13 percent of all posted vacancies remained unfilled for the entire school year, and districts reported 1,766 classified support staff vacancies as of September 1. These positions are vital to student learning and daily operations.
Turnover is equally costly. According to the Learning Policy Institute, teacher turnover, which includes costs for separation, recruitment, and onboarding, averages between $12,000 and $25,000
per teacher depending on district size. High turnover drains resources that could otherwise support classrooms and is linked to lower student achievement.
Kentucky cannot simply hire its way out of the challenge. The state must compete for talent by making it easier for educators to enter, remain, and grow in the profession.
Certification Reform: Widening the Gate Without Lowering the Bar
One of the most significant barriers to building Kentucky’s teacher workforce lies in certification. For decades, certification structures have been rigid, with limited flexibility for individuals who bring valuable experience into the classroom.
Kentucky has taken meaningful steps to address this issue. In June 2025, the Education Professional Standards Board
(EPSB) reviewed recommendations from its Certification Structure Workgroup to modernize grade bands and expand flexible pathways. These proposals include multiple ways to demonstrate competency, broader grade-band options such as K–8 or 6–12, and smoother entry routes for experienced professionals, particularly in high-need secondary and career and technical education fields.
There are particular high needs areas in Kentucky. Almost every district across the state has experienced certification issues related to secondary math and science positions. Recommendations like general science certifications for 6-12 can help attract potential educators and free up certification quandaries at the secondary level. Currently, unlike say English, where a teacher could teach any of the grade levels in that content, science has highly specific degrees that require not just a science credential, but biology, or chemistry, or physics. The legislature can ensure all stakeholders are brought together to address these types of challenges.
Reforming certification does not mean lowering standards. It means removing barriers that keep capable people out while maintaining high expectations that protect students and the profession.
Professional Learning That Works: Job-Embedded, Ongoing, and Focused
Recruitment without retention is a revolving door. Research shows that sustained, job-embedded professional learning improves both teaching practice and student outcomes.
KASS’s 2026 priorities call for aligning professional development requirements with educator contracts to emphasize personalized, job-embedded learning. That alignment shows respect for educators’ time and ensures that professional learning translates into stronger instruction. Many districts have created wonderful models of this by taking advantage of flexible calendars, instructional coaches, and federal funding. We must ensure those are highlighted and we continue to create these opportunities for teachers across the commonwealth.
When our schools dedicate time for coaching, professional learning communities, and curriculum-aligned professional development, we treat teacher learning as essential infrastructure, not a compliance task. By giving them a voice in this learning, we help retain teachers in the profession.
Local Accountability and Local Empowerment
Accountability frameworks shape how educators experience their work. When accountability emphasizes growth, authenticity, and community goals, teachers are more likely to stay and thrive.
Kentucky’s United We Learn Council is developing a new accountability framework to present to legislators in 2026. The framework aims to capture the full breadth of student learning and opportunity, reflecting goals defined by local communities.
Educators come to work everyday hoping to make a difference for students. This means ensuring essential learning goals but when this happens, what this looks like, and how we go about achieving it are nuanced. Local accountability gives us the opportunity to have a more holistic view of a student as well as the tireless work our educators do each day.
This focus on local empowerment is central to KASS’s vision. Local accountability allows districts to design systems of growth rather than systems of punishment. As we continue building momentum for a unified accountability model that empowers districts to innovate for student success while maintaining clarity and comparability, we will attract and retain teachers to the profession.
Strengthening the Pipeline: From Middle School to Master Teacher
To compete for talent, Kentucky must inspire the next generation of educators long before they reach college. KASS supports expanding Educators Rising
chapters in every middle and high school so students can explore teaching as a meaningful career path.
Because most annual teacher demand results from attrition rather than new positions, retention is the most powerful workforce strategy. When early pipeline programs are paired with strong mentoring, induction, and leadership development, educators see a clear and lasting future within Kentucky schools.
Cut the Red Tape: Let Educators Focus on Students
Finally, superintendents across Kentucky report that overlapping mandates and reporting requirements create unnecessary burdens. Legislative and research briefings, including findings from the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, have highlighted the need for modernization. Simplifying and streamlining these processes would return valuable time to teaching and leadership.
KASS applauds recent legislative progress and supports continued collaboration with policymakers to ensure that reforms are practical, measurable, and sustainable. The Red Tape Reduction Act was a valuable first step in streamlining evaluation requirements and professional learning. There is still much work to do, however, particularly with legislative unfunded mandates, departmental interpretation of existing laws and regulations, and unleashing technology to allow schools to spend more time on student achievement and less time on burdensome bureaucratic initiatives. KASS is ready to work with our legislative partners to identify more opportunities to continue to cut red tape.
A Call to Action
KASS stands ready to partner with lawmakers, the EPSB, the Kentucky Department of Education, higher education, and local communities to recruit, retain, and elevate Kentucky’s education workforce. Together, we can ensure that every student learns from teachers and staff who are well-prepared, well-supported, and proud to call Kentucky home.
Kentucky’s House budget signals flat funding, heightened scrutiny, and real operational pressure for school districts. What superintendents need to understand now.
Well-intended education policy can create unintended consequences when definitions, timing, and interaction are overlooked. A superintendent perspective on why clarity matters before legislation becomes practice.
An overview of how legislative changes affect district capacity, staffing, costs, and implementation, and why operational realities matter for student-focused governance.
Kentucky’s public schools are entering a pivotal moment. As the General Assembly begins its work in the 2026 legislative session, decisions made in Frankfort will shape the future of teaching, learning, and opportunity across the Commonwealth. As superintendents responsible for educating more than 600,000 students across Kentucky, we believe this moment requires clarity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to putting Kids First. Public education thrives when policy reflects both statewide goals and local realities. This session, three legislative priorities rise above all others as essential to student success: a modern accountability system focused on continuous improvement, a sustainable educator workforce pipeline, and fully funded SEEK. These priorities are not theoretical. They directly impact classrooms, communities, and the future of Kentucky’s workforce. Accountability with Purpose Kentucky has an opportunity to lead with an accountability system that reflects what communities value most. Through the Kentucky United We Learn initiative, educators, families, and education leaders have come together to design a framework focused on continuous improvement, local voice, and shared responsibility. This collaborative work emphasizes growth, relevance, and trust rather than compliance alone. The United We Learn framework recognizes that meaningful accountability must balance statewide expectations with locally identified measures of success, allowing communities to define what success looks like while remaining aligned to statewide goals. When communities see themselves reflected in accountability, engagement increases and outcomes improve. KASS continues to support implementation efforts that ensure accountability remains transparent, student-centered, and responsive to community needs. Learn more about the framework through the Kentucky Department of Education’s United We Learn initiative. Building and Sustaining the Educator Workforce Educators are the foundation of Kentucky’s public schools. Teachers, principals, and superintendents shape learning environments where students are supported academically and socially. Yet recruitment and retention challenges threaten the stability of this foundation. Building a strong workforce pipeline requires a long-term approach. Competitive compensation, flexible certification pathways, job-embedded professional learning, and meaningful induction supports all play a role, along with the flexibility for local districts to recruit, support, and retain educators in ways that reflect their unique community contexts. KASS supports continued work with the Education Professional Standards Board to broaden pathways into the profession and ensure talented educators can meet student needs in diverse settings. When we invest in people, we invest directly in students. Strengthening the educator pipeline is not simply a workforce issue. It is one of the most direct student success strategies available to policymakers. Sustaining and Strengthening SEEK Funding Equitable funding remains central to educational opportunity. The Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) formula is the Commonwealth’s primary tool for ensuring students have access to comparable educational opportunities regardless of zip code. Over time, inflation has eroded SEEK’s purchasing power, placing additional strain on local districts. Restoring SEEK to its inflation-adjusted 2008 level, fully funding add-ons, and providing long-term predictability are essential steps toward fiscal stability and toward meeting the Commonwealth’s long-term responsibility to provide an efficient system of public education. Adequate funding allows districts to plan responsibly, support staff, and meet the academic and social-emotional needs of students. Additional information on SEEK and Kentucky’s education funding system is available through the Legislative Research Commission. Progress Through Unified Advocacy Kentucky’s education leaders have seen firsthand the impact of unified advocacy. In recent years, collective KASS efforts have helped secure investments in full-day kindergarten, student transportation, and school safety. These wins demonstrate what is possible when education leaders speak clearly, consistently, and together, and when superintendents engage early, often, and constructively with policymakers. While progress has been made, continued advocacy remains essential. Each legislative session presents new challenges and opportunities, and sustained engagement ensures student needs remain at the center of policy decisions. A Moment That Matters This legislative session represents a defining moment for public education in Kentucky. Lawmakers must hear directly from education leaders about what students need to succeed. Public schools remain the Commonwealth’s greatest engine of opportunity, and bold, sustained investment is critical to their success. The path forward is clear. Together, we must lead with urgency, advocate with unity, and act with purpose. KASS will continue to engage lawmakers, partner agencies, and superintendents throughout the session to advance these priorities with clarity and consistency. Kentucky’s superintendents stand ready to work with policymakers to ensure every decision keeps students at the center and strengthens the future of public education.
Public education thrives when communities, educators, and policymakers work together with a shared purpose. In Butler County Schools, that collaboration is translating into meaningful opportunities for students, thoughtful stewardship of resources, and learning experiences that extend far beyond classroom walls. Serving more than 2,100 students across five schools, Butler County Schools is guided by a clear vision: one team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong. Central to that vision is the district’s Portrait of a Learner framework, which emphasizes character, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and global citizenship. These durable skills are woven into every initiative, ensuring students are prepared not only for graduation, but for lifelong success. Expanding Career Pathways Through Real-World Learning Career and technical education plays a vital role in preparing students for the workforce and postsecondary opportunities. In Butler County, legislative support for CTE has strengthened programs at the Area Technology Center, allowing students to engage in authentic, hands-on experiences that mirror real-world expectations. One powerful example is the partnership with Northern Kentucky University, where students participated in an advanced cadaver experience as part of their healthcare pathway. This opportunity challenged students to think critically, apply classroom knowledge, and engage ethically with complex medical concepts. Experiences like this help students clarify career interests while building confidence and professionalism. Research consistently shows that students who participate in high-quality CTE programs are more likely to graduate and pursue meaningful careers. By investing in these pathways, Kentucky is helping districts like Butler County prepare a skilled, adaptable workforce that meets regional and statewide needs. Literacy, Service, and the Power of Connection Academic success is deeply connected to literacy, and Butler County Schools is embracing innovative approaches to nurture both reading skills and student leadership. Supported by literacy-focused legislation, district initiatives encourage students to see learning as something that happens everywhere, not just during the school day. At Morgantown Elementary School, the Books and Braids program brings this philosophy to life. High school students volunteer their time to mentor younger readers, combining literacy practice with relationship building and confidence. These early-morning sessions foster a love of reading while modeling empathy, responsibility, and service. Programs like this highlight the broader impact of literacy investments. When students are engaged as leaders and mentors, learning becomes relational and meaningful, strengthening school culture and community ties. Stewardship That Supports Classrooms Effective use of resources is another cornerstone of student success. Through an innovative energy partnership with Trane Technologies, Butler County Schools has demonstrated how problem solving and collaboration can yield significant results. The district’s efforts have generated more than $96,000 in annual savings while improving ENERGY STAR scores across school facilities. These savings are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent dollars that can be redirected to classrooms, instructional resources, and student supports. They also model responsible stewardship for students, showing how thoughtful decision-making can have lasting benefits. Facility efficiency is increasingly important as districts balance rising costs with the need to maintain safe, healthy learning environments. Butler County’s approach illustrates how legislative support for facility improvements can empower districts to be both fiscally responsible and student focused. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth None of these successes happen in isolation. Butler County Schools benefits from strong partnerships with higher education institutions, community organizations, and local leaders who share a commitment to student success. These relationships expand learning opportunities and ensure students are supported by a broad network of advocates. Collaboration within the district is equally important. By aligning initiatives to the Portrait of a Learner framework, educators across schools work toward common goals while meeting the unique needs of their students. This shared purpose strengthens consistency, equity, and outcomes. Aligning With Kentucky’s Education Priorities The work underway in Butler County reflects broader legislative priorities for Kentucky’s public schools. Continued support for Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts initiatives underscores the importance of strong foundational skills. Investments in CTE and facility efficiency align with efforts to strengthen the education pipeline and ensure responsible use of public funds. When policy and practice are aligned, districts are better positioned to innovate, plan for the future, and respond to local needs. Butler County Schools’ success demonstrates the value of sustained, thoughtful investment in public education. Looking Ahead As Butler County Schools looks to the future, the focus remains clear: expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and keep students at the center of every decision. With continued legislative support and community collaboration, the district will build on its momentum, ensuring that every learner has access to the experiences and supports they need to thrive. Together, we are building stronger schools, brighter futures, and communities that are truly Butler Strong. Learn more about Butler County Schools’ work by visiting Butler County Schools website.
For more than thirty years, Kentucky has relied on the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky formula to fulfill a simple but powerful promise: every child deserves access to a high-quality public education, no matter their zip code. The SEEK formula was designed to make this promise real by supporting equity, strengthening local schools, and prioritizing the needs of students and educators. Today, that promise remains just as vital. Our districts continue to serve students with rising academic, mental health, transportation, and safety needs. Yet while expectations for schools have grown, state funding has not kept pace with real costs. As a result, local communities carry an increasing share of the burden, which challenges fairness and weakens our commitment to the Kids First mission. Understanding the Funding Gap When we look at historical trends, the issue becomes clearer. In 2008, the inflation-adjusted SEEK base was the equivalent of $5,743 per student. Today, even with periodic increases, Kentucky has not restored that level of investment. Districts, especially those with lower property wealth, are forced to rely heavily on local revenue to maintain basic programs, staffing, and student supports. This widens the gap between communities and places additional pressure on families. As we move into a new budget cycle, this is a central KASS legislative priority. Closing the SEEK shortfall and ensuring sustainable growth in state funding is essential not just for the next two years but for long-term district planning and stability. Why Add-Ons Matter for Students The SEEK base is only part of the equation. Add-on components provide targeted funding for transportation, full-day kindergarten, mental health professionals, school safety officers, and other essential services. These supports reflect the real needs of Kentucky students and the increasing expectations placed on schools. Fully funding these add-ons is not optional. It is a core part of delivering on our constitutional responsibility to provide every child with an efficient system of common schools. KASS continues to advocate for full reimbursement for school resource officers, codification of school facility funding efficiencies (such as those in HB 727), and financial impact statements on every education bill to prevent unfunded mandates for districts. Moving Toward a Stronger, More Sustainable SEEK SEEK can and should evolve to reflect the modern realities of public education. KASS supports improvements that include: Annual SEEK adjustments that track inflation so districts are not losing purchasing power each year Modernizing add-on structures to account for actual costs Aligning state and local contributions toward a sustainable 60/40 balance Ensuring consistency and predictability so districts can build long-term budgets with confidence These steps strengthen local schools, reduce inequities across communities, and honor Kentucky’s commitment to public education. Keeping Kids First: Why This Matters Now When we talk about SEEK, we are ultimately talking about fairness. A child in a rural Eastern Kentucky county deserves every opportunity available to a child in a suburban or urban district. With consistent and equitable funding, schools can continue: Recruiting and retaining high-quality educators Expanding mental health and academic supports Providing safe learning environments Offering robust pathways in career and technical education, college preparation, and workforce development These goals align directly with KASS’s 2026 priorities: investing in educator pipelines, reducing outdated mandates, expanding learning opportunities, and strengthening the financial foundation of Kentucky’s schools. A Path Forward for Kentucky The way ahead is clear. Kentucky must commit to a sustainable, fully funded SEEK system that acknowledges the real cost of educating our children. By doing so, we keep our promise to students, families, and communities. We also ensure that public education remains the Commonwealth’s most powerful driver of opportunity, mobility, and economic strength. Together, with a unified voice and a Kids First vision, we can build a future where every student across Kentucky is supported, valued, and prepared for success.
