Keeping Kids First: Advancing Education in Kentucky Through Legislative Action
January 31, 2025
Keeping Kids First: Advancing Education in Kentucky Through Legislative Action
The Kids First KY Legislative Agenda was built around three pillars: unleash lifelong learning in every classroom for every student, recruit and retain high quality public school teachers and staff, and a focus on Kentucky public education funding that allows us to achieve the first two. Recent legislative sessions, including 2024, produced significant progress towards each of these goals and showed that when elected officials and school leaders work together, we can advance shared goals and elevate the quality of education across the Commonwealth.
We have seen significant steps to unleash learning in every classroom for every student with the passing of the Read to Succeed (2022) and Numeracy Counts Act (2024) to focus on fundamental priorities as well as providing some funding to begin implementation. In addition, the legislature continued to fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Dual Credit Scholarships as well as establishing funding for school resource officers. Safe schools enable greater learning for every student. These measures will have a lasting impact on students across Kentucky.
The 2024 session also enabled significant progress towards recruiting and retaining high quality public school teachers and staff. We believe every classroom deserves a high quality teacher. Every school deserves a high quality principal. And every district deserves a high quality superintendent. To that end, the legislature continued to fully fund (and provide even greater investments) in the ARC for the TRS and MITF (retiree health insurance & shared responsibility) as well as funding educator health insurance, creating student teacher stipends and educator scholarships, and allocating funding through SEEK to give local districts the authority to provide raises for staff.
The 2024 budget policy was a positive step forward for our schools. Included in that budget was an increase to SEEK in both years of the biennial budget, adjusting the Tier 1 rate to address disparities in school district funding, increasing transportation funding, continued funding of full-day kindergarten, and codifying and funding CTE programs and facilities. With the loss of significant federal dollars, the decision to fund our schools enabled local school districts to maintain a steady financial footing as stewards of taxpayer dollars.
The Kentucky Association of School Superintendents are grateful for these steps and celebrate the work we were able to accomplish, together, with our legislators. While progress has been made, our three pillars remain the same, and even with only 24 days left in this legislative session before concurrence, there is still much we can accomplish together. Over the next few weeks, the focus with our legislators will include:
Unleash Lifelong Learning
- Build momentum for the need and possibilities for a new accountability system aligned with the Kentucky United We Learn Framework
- Study and make recommendations to identify outdated, redundant, and/or unnecessary mandates imposed on schools and districts
- Continue to support and fund the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Act
- Improve homeschool provider qualifications and eligibility requirements to include a “stay-put” provision prohibiting homeschool enrollment for students in truancy or pending disciplinary issues
Recruit and Retain High Quality Public School Teachers and Staff
- Support EPSB with reviewing and reforming certification limits to broaden options for schools and districts to maximize the talents of their teachers to meet the needs of their students. (eg. K-8, 6-12 certs) Consider changes to the gatekeepers of certification to provide multiple paths to demonstrate competencies for earning certification (“weed in” vs. “weed out”)
- Align educator professional development requirements with educator contracts to emphasize job-embedded training and personalized learning to enhance instructional and leadership capacities.
- Support a “grassroots campaign” through educator rising chapters in every middle school, high school and education preparation program in the state including a robust slate of student activities to cultivate their knowledge and interest in the education career pathway.
- Continue to explore ways to build the education pipeline for the long term
A Focus on Kentucky Public Education Funding
- Closing the SEEK shortfall to ensure the budget cycle and long-term planning continues for school districts across Kentucky.
- Improve school facility construction funding and administration process, namely to codify the construction administration provisions passed in HB727 of 2024 that reduced redundancies and enhanced efficiency
- Requiring a fiscal note of financial impact statement for every education bill to ensure we have no unfunded mandates.
- Fix the language in the budget bill to ensure districts can be reimbursed for all SRO’s and ensure safe schools for every student
At KASS, we believe deeply in our state motto, “United we Stand, Divided we Fall.” We have shown what happens when we come together to truly put Kids First - our students, our schools, our districts, and our communities have the ability to thrive. There is still much work to do but now is the time for us to continue doing that work. Our children and future generations deserve nothing less.
At the confluence of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, Carroll County is a close-knit community where schools serve as the center of life. With only 10,000 residents, nearly every family has a connection to the district. Strong partnerships with local industries allow Carroll County Schools to prepare students for futures both within the community and beyond. Superintendent Casey Jaynes emphasizes that the district’s role extends beyond academics. It is about ensuring students are prepared for the workforce opportunities that await them. Thanks to supplemental state funding for career and technical education (CTE), Carroll County High School launched a new Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway in the 2024–2025 school year. Known as CATALYST (Carroll Area Transportation and Logistics Youth Simulation Training), the program introduces students to heavy machinery operation through state-of-the-art simulators. The initiative is already opening doors. Students practice on the same equipment used by major employers such as Nucor, Luhn & Oak, and Kemper Construction, giving them a competitive advantage in high-demand fields. Many participants are also working toward a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a credential that expands career options after graduation. Industry partners share the enthusiasm. Shawn Keeton of Luhn & Oak Construction said, “For the school to embrace the needed training and worker shortage is a dream come true and something that I have thought about and worked toward for years.” This collaboration highlights Carroll County’s commitment to collective progress. For students like Dylan Service and Nahomy Lopez Perez, the program is already transformative. Dylan explained that he has gained skills ranging from safety procedures to actual equipment operation, which he believes will help him secure a job after high school. Nahomy, one of the program’s pioneering female participants, noted that the work requires focus and persistence, but with practice, success is possible. This initiative reflects KASS’s priorities: building a strong workforce pipeline, advocating for funding that delivers opportunities, and ensuring accountability that supports the United We Learn vision. Carroll County Schools is showing how community, education, and industry can come together to create opportunity. As Superintendent Jaynes put it, “Our community is changing, and we have to provide our employers with a technically skilled workforce.” Carroll County is ready to lead students toward that future. For more on this initiative, visit carroll.kyschools.us
In Kentucky, superintendents and education leaders are working toward a bold vision for accountability. Instead of relying only on state test scores, districts are beginning to design local measures of quality that reflect the needs, strengths, and values of their own communities. It’s powerful to watch districts all over the commonwealth engage deeply with their community to determine what is most important for the education of their students. Why Local Accountability Matters Every public school exists to serve its community. From its inception, Kentucky’s school districts have supported the local needs of its people and helped to shape generations. We (Families, students, and educators) all agree that schools should be measured not only by numbers on a page, but also by how well they are preparing young people to thrive in life. Local accountability ensures that Kids First is not just a motto, but a measure of success that is meaningful to every Kentucky student. Community Voice at the Center Local measures are not imposed from the outside. They are created with input from parents, students, educators, employers and community leaders. Some communities may highlight financial stewardship, while others focus on student leadership, growth over time, or readiness for the workforce. The power of local measures is the innovation that happens that others can learn from. Logan County chooses to provide a focus on student leadership while Bullitt County ensures authentic learning experiences for every child. What matters is that each district is empowered to define what quality looks like for its children. Kentucky is a commonwealth of diverse communities. What success looks like in a rural county may not be the same as in an urban district. Local measures allow each community to reflect its own priorities while contributing to a broader statewide vision. Together, these measures strengthen public education in Kentucky by ensuring that accountability is rooted in both excellence and relevance. Looking Ahead Launching a modern accountability system is one of the key priorities for Kentucky’s education future. Local measures will play a vital role in this system by providing a clearer, more complete picture of student learning and growth. By working together, superintendents and communities can ensure that every Kentucky student becomes the best version of themselves. KASS believes in strong accountability for our public schools. This means we MUST have our communities at the table to help us define what these measures should be. This has already started in communities across the state. Now is the time to ensure it is part of our accountability system for every student in the Commonwealth.
As a new school year begins, we are excited to welcome back our students, staff, and school leaders across the Commonwealth. As we begin this new year, possibilities and challenges await. Our superintendents are the leadership heartbeat of our public education system, shaping futures, strengthening communities, and navigating through every challenge we face. This year brings both opportunity and urgency. The challenges before us (growing workforce needs, evolving accountability demands, and the need for sustainable funding) require unified, purposeful advocacy. The time is NOW for Kentucky to recommit to the work of public education and KASS remains committed to putting Kids First in every action. We stand with every Kentuckian to advance a vision of education that reflects the promise of every child and the values of every community in the Commonwealth. Our Top Legislative Priorities for 2026 1. Launch a Meaningful, Modern Accountability System Kentucky needs an accountability framework that measures more than test scores. Our vision is a system that partners with local communities, honors personal growth, and values the skills and attributes that make each student life-ready. This means elevating community-based accountability alongside state measures, ensuring that what we track truly reflects what matters most to families, educators, and employers. 2. Build a Strong, Sustainable Educator Workforce Pipeline Our schools are only as strong as the people who lead them. With education now recognized as a top five in-demand sector, we must attract, develop, and retain exceptional educators at every level. This includes competitive salaries, expanded pathways into the profession, and induction programs that set new teachers, principals, and superintendents up for success. 3. Secure a Budget that Invests in Long-Term Student Success To meet Kentucky’s goals, we must restore SEEK funding to the 2008 inflation-adjusted equivalent of $5,743 per student. Aligning our budget with our ambitions ensures that every district has the resources to address local needs, provide competitive wages, and deliver safe, high-quality learning environments. A Call to Lead Together The year ahead will be pivotal. KASS will continue to advocate with clarity, compassion, and resolve because the future of Kentucky’s children depends on it. We invite every superintendent to join us in reaching out to legislators, sharing local stories, and making our united voice heard in Frankfort. Your leadership matters. Your advocacy matters. Together, we can shape a world-class public education system for Kentucky.
Education as a High-Demand Sector: What It Means for Kentucky’s Schools
Strengthening Kentucky’s Education Workforce: Solutions & Strategies
Henry County Schools, located in Kentucky’s Golden Triangle, is making significant strides in student success through investments in school safety, career and technical education (CTE), and academic excellence. With legislative support fueling these advancements, the district is creating a brighter future for students by ensuring they have access to industry-relevant training, a secure learning environment, and evidence-based curriculum programs. Prioritizing Student Safety with Expanded SROs School safety is a top priority for Henry County Schools, and thanks to increased legislative funding, the district has expanded its School Resource Officer (SRO) program. An additional officer has been assigned to elementary schools, providing younger students with a safer learning environment. This initiative underscores the district’s commitment to student well-being and fostering a positive school culture. Investing in Career & Technical Education (CTE) for Future Workforce Success To prepare students for high-demand careers, Henry County Schools has upgraded its CTE programs with state-of-the-art equipment and software. These improvements impact pathways in: Media Engineering Health Science Business Agriculture By integrating industry-standard tools into classroom learning, students gain hands-on experience that makes them more competitive in today’s workforce. This initiative is a game-changer for career readiness, ensuring graduates leave high school equipped with the skills needed for success. Academic Gains Through Evidence-Based Curriculum & Leadership Development Academic excellence remains at the heart of Henry County Schools. The district has implemented an evidence-based Reading and Math curriculum for grades K-8, alongside the Leader in Me program—a leadership initiative designed to improve student engagement and school culture. By the Numbers: How These Investments Are Paying Off Henry County Schools is seeing measurable improvements across multiple areas: ✔️ Ranked 13th in Kentucky for Reading & Math growth (out of 172 districts) ✔️ Largest academic score increase in the OVEC region (from 56.87 to 62.85) ✔️ Notable reductions in novice performance across nearly all grade levels ✔️ Increase in students achieving proficiency & distinguished levels on assessments Beyond academics, the district has also made incredible strides in school culture and climate : ✔️ School Climate ranking improved from 124th to 19th in the state ✔️ Staff-Leadership relationships jumped from 132nd to 14th ✔️ Student Behavior ranking surged from 71st to 8th Community & Legislative Support: The Driving Force Behind Success These remarkable improvements wouldn’t be possible without legislative support, grant funding, and community partnerships. With continued investment, Henry County Schools can further expand career pathways, safety initiatives, and innovative learning opportunities. What’s Next for Henry County Schools? With this momentum, the district is planning: ✅ Further expansion of CTE pathways to provide students with cutting-edge career training ✅ Ongoing implementation of evidence-based curriculum for even greater academic success ✅ Potential for additional SRO placements to strengthen school safety Henry County Schools: A Model for Student Success At Henry County Schools, education isn’t just about textbooks and test scores—it’s about preparing students for a successful future. Whether through safer schools, hands-on career training, or innovative teaching methods, the district is setting a new standard for excellence in education. For more information, visit Henry County Schools website.
